Here’s how Cooper Flagg cleared a staggering $28 million in NIL contracts during his one season at Duke

One of college basketball’s highest-paid players last season, former Duke star Cooper Flagg had estimated NIL contracts that were staggering, according to longtime sports journalist and author Howard Bryant. During a recent sitdown with Bob Costas at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Howard asked his co-host how much much Flagg earned in NIL at Duke.

Costas was unsure, but then Howard provided an answer that resulted in an audible gasp from the audience — $28 million.

“He had a $13 million deal with New Balance and then $15 million with Fanatics,” Bryant said at the 51:09 mark of the conversation.

Here’s the thing — Howard’s reported total is likely Flagg’s NIL contracts in totality and not an annual payment. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported Flagg’s New Balance agreement was “significant.” These are often multiyear contracts between incoming rookies and sneaker companies.