The number is $28 million.
According to a report that surfaced earlier this month, that is the amount of money that Cooper Flagg earned from NIL deals during his tenure at Duke.

Fast-forward to Wednesday night, when Flagg was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. The recipient of the 2025 Naismith Award, essentially the Heisman for college basketball, is projected to earn more than $62 million on his rookie contract over the following four years. If Flagg lives up to expectations as a generational talent, his second contract could be potentially worth more than $350 million, with prospects for his third deal to surpass $500 million, according to Spotrac.

These figures are astonishing and could set him on a path to become the first North American athlete to make over $1 billion in on-court earnings. So, what strategies does Flagg have for managing such wealth?

On Thursday, just under 24 hours after being picked, Flagg revealed a new partnership with Chime, aimed at long-term financial success. To kick off the collaboration, Flagg and his mother, Kelly, will feature in the upcoming episode of “Mama, I Made It"—a YouTube series illuminating the true stories behind success through the eyes of the mothers who played pivotal roles.

We connected with Flagg before his announcement to discuss his new venture and his experience as a high-profile athlete adapting to the evolving NIL landscape in college athletics.

Tell me about your new partnership with Chime and why you decided to collaborate?
“This is significant for me. Clearly, I’ve been earning money for a while now. This began when I entered college, so the partnership feels like a natural fit. I want to learn about financial management, and Chime is an excellent tool to help me in that regard.”

This partnership launches in the ‘Mama, I Made It’ series. Your mom has played an influential role in your life; can you elaborate on her impact?
“My mom is a tremendous role model. She influenced my life greatly, especially regarding basketball. She played Division I at the University of Maine and introduced me to the sport early on. As I garnered more attention, she has been very supportive in managing everything and setting up a good system for me. She’s been with me every step of the way, aiding me in navigating these changes.”

How involved are you in your financial decisions regarding NIL earnings and now your NBA salary, and what support do you receive from your family and advisors?
“I have a team that helps manage my finances, with my mom being the main point of contact. It’s up to me how much I want to learn and take responsibility for. I’ve absorbed a lot from her due to her importance in managing my finances and creating essential systems. We are both continuously learning.”

What does ‘I Made It’ signify to you?
“For me, it means reaching a secure financial position. I’ve had many fortunate opportunities but it’s about being equipped for the moment and having solid systems to handle whatever challenges arise.”

What has been the most eye-opening aspect of navigating the NIL era in college sports?
“The most significant challenge is maintaining balance. It demands a lot of your time, and it’s easy to get distracted. Having established systems and a supportive team has been incredibly beneficial, allowing me to focus on basketball.”

Regarding NIL earnings, do you pay attention to the various estimates and online claims?
“Many athletes recognize it, and you learn to handle it in your unique way. Personally, I choose to ignore it and not get caught up in the details. I know what the reality is and I focus on my trusted circle.”

What advice would you provide to incoming freshmen navigating the NIL domain?
“The key is to educate yourself and understand all facets of it so you know what’s ahead. You need a trustworthy circle to help guide and simplify things, allowing you to concentrate on your game.”

How will this Chime partnership assist you in managing your finances?
“The partnership will enhance my understanding of finance. It’s a fantastic resource for my education and financial growth as its importance in my life increases.”

Lastly, if you could compete against one current or upcoming NBA player, who would it be and why?
“I’d say Khaman Maluach. He’s one of my former teammates and a dear friend. I’m excited about the prospect of playing alongside him.**