Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player turned billionaire entrepreneur, has died at the age of 71.
The ex-Milwaukee Bucks sixth man, known for his strategic investments in fast-food franchises and the beverage industry, died Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency at a fundraising event in Louisville, Kentucky.
What Was Junior Bridgeman's Net Worth?
Despite never earning more than $350,000 per season as a player, Bridgeman built a business empire that earned him an estimated $1.4 billion, Forbes reported.
After retiring in 1987, Bridgeman began investing in Wendy's franchises, eventually owning more than 500 fast-food locations, including Chili's and Fazoli's. His company, Bridgeman Foods, generated more than $500 million in annual revenue before he sold most of his restaurant holdings for $250 million in 2016.
The same year, he pivoted into the beverage industry, acquiring Heartland Coca-Cola, a bottling operation serving parts of Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. By 2023, Heartland's revenue tripled to nearly $1 billion.
In September 2024, Bridgeman purchased a 10 percent stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, with the deal valuing the franchise at $4 billion.
Which Magazines Did Junior Bridgeman Own?
Bridgeman entered the media industry in 2020 when he purchased Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million after the publications declared bankruptcy earlier that year. Under his leadership, Ebony and Jet became digital-first brands.
Junior Bridgeman's Legacy in Sports and Business
Bridgeman was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the eighth overall pick in 1975 but was soon traded to Milwaukee in a blockbuster deal involving future Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
He played 12 NBA seasons and became a key sixth man for the Bucks, averaging 13.6 points per game. He retired in 1987, holding the franchise record for games played.
Bridgeman, however, was always thinking beyond basketball. During off-seasons, he worked at Wendy's, learning the fast-food business from the ground up before becoming one of the brand's largest franchisees.
Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas praised Bridgeman, calling him: "Legendary. He's the real success story. A pioneer and a great businessman."
Remembering Junior Bridgeman
The Bucks honored Bridgeman's contributions in a statement:
"The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. Junior's retired No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum, serving as a constant remembrance of his outstanding play on the court and his impact on the Bucks' success. His hard work and perseverance led him to become one of the nation's top business leaders and, last September, Junior's professional life came full circle when he returned to the Bucks family as an owner. His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization."
Bridgeman's impact went beyond sports. His business empire, media influence and philanthropy set a standard for athletes-turned-entrepreneurs.
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 12:16 PM.