Milwaukee Bucks legend Junior Bridgeman passes away at 71, leaves rich legacy

Milwaukee Bucks legend Junior Bridgeman, who transformed from NBA standout to billionaire businessman, died Tuesday following a medical emergency at a public event in Louisville. He was 71 years old.

Bridgeman collapsed during a Scouting America benefit luncheon, reportedly telling a reporter he thought he was having a heart attack before being transported to a hospital by ambulance.

The Milwaukee Bucks released a statement expressing shock and sadness at the “tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman,” noting his retired No. 2 jersey hanging in Fiserv Forum serves as a “constant remembrance of his outstanding play on the court and his impact on the Bucks’ success.”.

Bridgeman’s basketball journey with Milwaukee began in 1975 when he arrived as part of the trade that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Los Angeles Lakers. He went on to play 10 seasons with the franchise, appearing in 711 games – a mark that ranked third in team history behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

Known primarily as a sixth man, Bridgeman averaged 13.6 points per game throughout his NBA career and helped the Bucks reach the postseason in eight of his 10 seasons with the team. Despite never earning more than $350,000 in a single season, Bridgeman’s number was retired by the franchise in 1988.

Bridgeman’s most remarkable achievements came after basketball. Following his retirement in 1987, he built a fast-food empire that eventually operated more than 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants across 20 states. In 2016, he sold most of these holdings for an estimated $250 million and purchased Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, expanding the business to nearly $1 billion in annual revenue by 2023.

In December 2020, Bridgeman added a notable chapter to his business portfolio when he purchased Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million through his company, Bridgeman Sports and Media. The acquisition represented a meaningful move to preserve two historic publications in African American media after previous owner CVG Group was forced into bankruptcy.

His business success earned him a place among basketball’s financial elite. With an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, Bridgeman joined Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James Last September, Bridgeman’s professional life came full circle when he purchased a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Throughout his success, Bridgeman maintained a strong commitment to philanthropy. He served on the board of Blessings in a Backpack and supported numerous Louisville charities and organizations. 

In 2019, Greater Louisville Inc. presented Bridgeman with its Gold Cup award, recognizing his “tireless commitment to make Louisville a better place.” He was also a leading contributor to the planned $35 million Heritage West project in Louisville.

Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and children Eden, Justin, and Ryan.