A former basketball star who enjoyed a second life as a billionaire entrepreneur had died.
Junior Bridgeman, who led Louisville to a Final Four and starred for the Milwaukee Bucks, died after he suffered a medical emergency at a Louisville hotel during a fundraising event on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported. He was 71.
The Bucks, who Bridgeman owned a stake of, also confirmed the news, saying they are “shocked and saddened by his death.”
“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,” the statement said.
“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. We are heartbroken by Junior’s passing.”
Bridgeman’s influence extended well beyond basketball, evidenced by the fact that Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, released statements mourning his death.
“He was an All-American at U of L ... and a self-made billionaire,” Greenberg said in a statement. “Yet I will most remember Junior Bridgeman for his quiet, impactful assistance to others in need” as well as his love for his family and his “never-ending support for our community.”
A native of East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman played for Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum at Louisville where he scored 1,348 points and grabbed 657 rebounds.
He is further remembered for being part of one of the biggest trades in NBA history when the Lakers sent him to Milwaukee as part of the deal that brought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to LA.
Bridgeman’s 711 games played for Milwaukee ranks third in franchise history, behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. He ranks seventh in Bucks history in field goals (4,142), ninth in points (9,892) and 10th in minutes (18,054).
“Junior was the ultimate entrepreneur who built on his impactful 12-year NBA playing career by becoming a highly respected and successful business leader,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“He served as a mentor to generations of NBA players and athletes across sports who were eager to learn from him about what it takes to thrive in the business world.”
Bridgeman’s business career was even more impressive than his playing career. According to Louisville, he was a longtime franchisee for Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants, became a bottler for Coca-Cola and bought Ebony and Jet magazines.
Bridgeman also co-owns Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. He also served on the boards of Churchill Downs racetrack, the University of Louisville and Fifth Third Bank, among others, the Associated Press reported.
“I had the privilege of playing against him, and I’ll never forget how he had one of the sweetest jump shots in the NBA,” NBA legend Magic Johnson wrote on X.
“What people don’t realize is Junior didn’t make a fortune as a player, but he turned what he earned into something extraordinary, becoming a billionaire African American businessman in this country. He is the blueprint to so many current and former athletes across sports that success doesn’t end when you’re done playing.”
Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and his children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan.