New Balance has a knack for identifying and signing up-and-coming basketball talent early. Remember when they snatched up Cameron Brink from Stanford last year? Well, they’ve just added another hotshot to their team  – a Duke freshman, Cooper Flagg. This 17-year-old is now officially part of the New Balance family thanks to a new NIL deal. And it seems, the Los Angeles Sparks rookie, Cameron Brink, is equally thrilled about the addition.

Brink has already given Flagg a warm welcome as she expressed her excitement over social media. The WNBA rookie took to her

Instagram story, and she reposted the official announcement video of Cooper Flagg’s deal with the brand. The Sparks forward also wrote, “Welcome to the family, @cooper_flagg.” Cooper Flagg’s NIL valuation is currently an impressive $1.4 million, far surpassing Cameron Brink’s estimated $200,000 during her time at Stanford.

Previously, there was a very prominent speculation that was floating which stated that Flagg would sign with the Jordan Brand and don the Jumpman logo but the hooper has put an end to any such conversations now. “I’m so excited to join this family and help them grow the category with young athletes,” said the Gatorade National Player of the Year for 2024 after the announcement.

Growing up in Newport, Maine, Flagg shares a strong connection with the Boston-based New Balance brand. Every school year, he and his family would make the 25-mile trip to the annual New Balance Skowhegan tent sale to gear up, reinforcing a bond that’s now come full circle with his recent NIL deal. “I grew up wearing New Balance, and I appreciate their authentic connection to my community,” said Flagg.

It’s worth noting, though, that despite Cooper Flagg’s new marketing deal with New Balance, he won’t be able to sport their sneakers on the court at Duke. That’s because Duke’s college team is locked into an exclusive contract with Nike, covering all uniforms, footwear, equipment, and merchandise through 2027. Well, Flagg has just joined the brand and there is still time for him to don the brand apparel. But, how did the rookie’s NIL deal look like when she was at Stanford?

Cameron Brink’s deal with New Balance

Almost a year ago, New Balance made a significant move by signing Cameron Brink, who was a standout at Stanford University. Brink, a four-time NCAA All-American, became the first female basketball player to join the New Balance roster. The former Stanford Cardinal forward found herself in elite company, joining an impressive lineup of NBA stars like Jamal Murray, Zach LaVine, Dejounte Murray, and Kawhi Leonard.

“Even though my parents worked at Nike for a long time, it was such an easy conversion. … I felt like family with [New Balance], and it felt like a great environment,” Brink told in an interview as her father has served as a Vice President of the supply chain for Nike Asia Pacific Latin America. As of April 2024, Cameron Brink’s estimated net worth stands between $1 million and $2 million and this impressive figure primarily comes from her success in collegiate basketball.

In fact, this year, New Balance expanded its commitment to women’s sports with a multiyear partnership with the WNBA. This deal will see New Balance featured prominently in broadcast, digital, and retail content, spotlighting Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink. With Cooper Flagg now part of their roster and Cameron Brink’s growing influence, the brand continues to make bold strides.

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show.” Our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.