Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg signs endorsement deal with shoe company New Balance

Flagg is expected to wear Nike shoes when he plays for the Blue Devils

By Isaac Trotter Aug 26, 2024 at 11:57 am ET• 2 min read

New Balance signed Shohei Ohtani, the best two-way player in baseball and now the shoe company has landed Duke five-star freshman Cooper Flagg, the best two-way prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. New Balance announced Monday that Flagg is joining its growing roster.

The company, which has an athletic footwear factory near Flagg's hometown of Newport, Maine, revealed its newest addition on social media.

Cooper Flagg, The Intelligent Choice. pic.twitter.com/JvvvMM9lfm

— New Balance (@newbalance) August 26, 2024

"The connection with New Balance as a family company and a company with Maine roots means a lot to me," Flagg told ESPN. "That makes this really different and special. My mom used to go to the tent sale for back-to-school shopping there when we were kids. That really aligns the brand with my roots. It's a perfect fit."

Flagg to wear Nike in Duke's games

Duke and Nike have been partners since 1992, and they have a contract through 2027. Flagg's deal with New Balance has no impact on that. Flagg will suit up in Nike apparel for anything he does with the Blue Devils, Duke confirmed to CBS Sports on Monday.