Junior Bridgeman passes away: From NBA sixth man to billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist
Junior Bridgeman, former NBA player and billionaire entrepreneur, passed away at 71. Known for his success in business after basketball, including ownership in the Milwaukee Bucks, Bridgeman was a philanthropist and financial literacy advocate for athletes.
Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player who rose from humble beginnings to become a billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 71 after suffering a medical emergency during a fundraising event in Louisville, Kentucky. Bridgeman, who was recently a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, is remembered not only for his basketball career but also for his impressive business achievements and lasting impact on the community.
Bridgeman’s basketball career: A sixth man extraordinaire
Junior Bridgeman, a native of East Chicago, Indiana, became an iconic figure in the NBA for his contributions as a sixth man. He played 12 seasons in the league, with 10 of those years spent with the Milwaukee Bucks and two with the Los Angeles Clippers. During his career, Bridgeman averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, making him one of the most reliable bench players in the league. His career also included a significant role as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 1985 to 1988.
From Bridgeman’s basketball career to a business empire
While Bridgeman made approximately $2.95 million in his NBA career, he focused on building his wealth off the court. After retiring from basketball, he acquired a fast-food empire, with over 450 restaurants across the United States. His company owns and operates over 160 Wendy's restaurant franchises across the country, making him the second largest owner of Wendy’s franchises in the world. He also owns over 118 Chili’s restaurants.
He also became a Coca-Cola bottling distributor, expanded his business into Canada, and acquired famous publications like Ebony and Jet magazines. His ventures continued to grow, leading him to become an investor in NBA Africa and recently purchasing a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks. Bridgeman’s business success, which saw his net worth surpass $1.4 billion, serves as a testament to his entrepreneurial drive.
Bridgeman’s return to the Milwaukee Bucks: A full-circle moment
In September 2024, Junior Bridgeman's journey came full circle when he purchased a 10% ownership stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, the team where he made his mark as a player. The Bucks expressed their sadness at his passing, noting that his retired No. 2 jersey will forever hang in Fiserv Forum as a tribute to his contributions on and off the court. The organization also praised Bridgeman's success as a businessman, describing him as a top business leader who overcame adversity and became an inspiraJUNIOR BRItion to the Bucks community.
Junior Bridgeman was passionate about teaching NBA players financial literacy. Photo: ESPN
A community icon: Bridgeman’s impact beyond basketball
Beyond his business accomplishments, Junior Bridgeman was known for his commitment to helping others. Growing up in a working-class family in East Chicago, Bridgeman understood the importance of giving back. He worked multiple jobs during his youth to help his family, including summers spent at a farm equipment manufacturer, a steel-cutting company, and even the night shift at a Ford truck plant. Bridgeman’s humility and generosity made him a beloved figure in Louisville, where Mayor Craig Greenberg mourned the loss of a "kind, generous, and groundbreaking legend."
One of Bridgeman's most important legacies is his advocacy for financial literacy among NBA players. Aware of the financial challenges faced by many athletes after their careers, Bridgeman became a vocal advocate for teaching financial responsibility. He regularly spoke to NBA players about managing their wealth and avoiding financial pitfalls, often emphasizing the concept of generational wealth — ensuring that the wealth earned during an athlete's career could benefit future generations.
"Money can disappear," Bridgeman cautioned in interviews, advising young players to be mindful of their financial decisions. He was especially proud of how his own family, including his three children, had become involved in the various business ventures he had created, securing a legacy of financial stability for generations to come.