ESPN REPORTS: Duke Blue Devils Rising Star Cooper Flagg Donates $320 Million to Women’s Basketball Program in Honor of His Mother
DURHAM, N.C. — In what is being hailed as one of the most significant contributions to women’s college basketball history, Duke Blue Devils freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has pledged a staggering $320 million to the Duke Women’s Basketball program. The unprecedented donation, made in honor of his mother, Kelly Flagg, aims to elevate the program to new heights and ensure sustained excellence for years to come.
The announcement, confirmed by Duke Athletics early Friday morning, immediately sent shockwaves through the basketball community. Flagg, widely regarded as the top prospect in college basketball and a potential future No. 1 NBA Draft pick, made the donation as a tribute to his mother’s lifelong dedication to the sport.
A Tribute to His Mother’s Legacy
Kelly Flagg, a former college basketball player and a guiding force in Cooper’s career, has been instrumental in shaping his basketball journey. From early morning gym sessions in Newport, Maine, to national recognition at Montverde Academy, her influence has been profound.
“My mother is the reason I fell in love with this game,” Flagg said in an emotional statement. “She’s been my first coach, my biggest supporter, and my greatest teacher. Her passion for basketball, especially the women’s game, is something I’ve always admired. I wanted to do something that would honor her legacy and make a lasting impact on the sport she loves.”
Kelly Flagg played college basketball at the University of Maine, where she was known for her grit, leadership, and defensive prowess. Though she never played at the professional level, her passion for the game never wavered, as she spent years coaching young athletes and mentoring the next generation of players, including Cooper and his twin brother Ace.
“This donation isn’t just about money—it’s about respect,” Flagg continued. “Women’s basketball deserves the same level of investment, facilities, and opportunities as the men’s game. I hope this sets a precedent for others to follow.”
A Game-Changing Investment in Duke Women’s Basketball
The $320 million donation is the largest single contribution ever made to a women’s college basketball program. According to Duke University officials, the funds will be allocated toward:
Facility Upgrades: The creation of a state-of-the-art practice facility exclusively for Duke Women’s Basketball, featuring cutting-edge training equipment, recovery centers, and film study rooms.
Scholarship Expansion: Increased scholarships to support student-athletes, ensuring that Duke can recruit and develop the best talent in the country.
Coaching and Staff Development: Competitive salaries and resources for coaches, assistant staff, and player development specialists.
Endowment for Player Welfare: Mental health services, academic support programs, and career development initiatives for female athletes.
Community Outreach Programs: Expanding Duke’s influence in promoting women’s basketball at the grassroots level, with youth camps, mentorship programs, and initiatives to grow the sport.
Duke Women’s Basketball head coach Kara Lawson, who has been at the forefront of elevating the program, was visibly emotional when discussing Flagg’s donation.
“This is beyond anything we could have imagined,” Lawson said. “Cooper’s generosity is going to transform not just our program, but women’s basketball as a whole. His commitment to honoring his mother through this donation speaks volumes about his character. He’s setting an example that goes beyond the game.”
A Bold Statement for Gender Equality in Sports
Flagg’s historic donation arrives at a pivotal time in the conversation about gender equality in sports. Women’s basketball has experienced a surge in popularity, fueled by superstars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, as well as the growing prominence of the WNBA. However, disparities in funding, media coverage, and resources remain a challenge.
By investing such a significant sum into a women’s program, Flagg is sending a powerful message about the value of women’s sports. His actions parallel the recent movements pushing for equal pay, TV rights deals, and sponsorship opportunities for female athletes.
“The growth of women’s basketball has been incredible, but there’s still work to do,” Flagg said. “This is my way of helping push the game forward. I want young girls to see that they have the same opportunities as anyone else and that their dreams are just as valid.”
His donation follows recent strides in women’s basketball, such as the record-breaking viewership numbers for the NCAA Women’s Tournament and increased investment from major sports brands. Duke University officials hope that this move will inspire other athletes and donors to contribute toward women’s sports.
Reactions from the Basketball Community
The basketball world erupted with praise following the announcement. NBA and WNBA players, coaches, and analysts took to social media to commend Flagg’s commitment to growing the game.
NBA legend LeBron James tweeted: “Young king @CooperFlagg making HISTORY on and off the court. This is how you build a legacy. Much respect!”
WNBA star Breanna Stewart wrote: “This is the kind of investment we need in women’s basketball. Major respect to Cooper Flagg for putting his money where his heart is.”
ESPN analyst Doris Burke described the donation as “a watershed moment” for women’s college basketball.
“This isn’t just a generous gesture—it’s a game-changer,” Burke said. “We’ve seen slow progress in women’s sports funding, but Cooper Flagg just accelerated that process in a way we’ve never seen before.”
What’s Next for Cooper Flagg?
Despite his philanthropic efforts, Cooper Flagg remains locked in on his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils. The 6’9” forward, known for his elite defensive skills, high basketball IQ, and tenacious work ethic, has already drawn comparisons to NBA legends like Kevin Garnett and Larry Bird.
With the NBA Draft looming in 2025, Flagg is expected to be a top pick if he declares. However, his focus remains on helping Duke chase another NCAA Championship while continuing to make an impact off the court.
“My goal has always been to be the best player I can be, but also to leave a mark beyond basketball,” Flagg said. “This sport has given me so much, and I just want to give back in any way I can.”
His donation cements his legacy not only as a generational talent but as a trailblazer for social change in sports. Whether he’s dominating on the court or making historic contributions off it, one thing is clear—C
ooper Flagg is a name that will be remembered for years to come.
