Today, New Balance announced the signing of the Gatorade National Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year, Cooper Flagg, to the brand. The 6’9” power forward’s dominant style of play and special connection to the brand makes him the perfect addition to the New Balance family to inspire the next generation of athletes.
The All-American starts his highly anticipated collegiate career at Duke University in the fall as the top player in the 2024 class. The five-star prospect averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.7 steals and 3.7 blocks per game in his senior season at Montverde Academy. Cooper was among the 15 athletes named to the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s Select Team chosen to train with the USA Basketball Men’s National Team as they prepped for gold in the Paris Olympics, the only teenager and first collegiate player with the honor since 2013.
“Cooper adds so much to our basketball roster, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the New Balance family,” says Naveen Lokesh, Head of Basketball Sports Marketing. “He is a force to be reckoned with on the court, and we look forward to building our relationship as he grows the game and supporting him in all his endeavors.”
The Newport, Maine native grew up 25 miles from the New Balance Skowhegan manufacturing facility. As a kid, Cooper’s mom would take him and his brothers to the New Balance annual tent sale in Skowhegan to buy the family their one pair of shoes and backpack for the school year.
“I grew up wearing New Balance, and I appreciate their authentic connection to my community. The focus and growth of the brand in basketball and our shared values and history drew me in. From day one, it was clear that this would be a family-like partnership. I’m so excited to join this family and help them grow the category with young athletes,” says Team New Balance athlete Cooper Flagg.
In addition to featuring in New Balance basketball marketing campaigns, Cooper will also work with the brand across lifestyle extensions and community initiatives, focusing on programs giving back to young athletes. Cooper is the latest basketball athlete to join the New Balance growing roster.
