Junior Bridgeman, Former NBA Star and Business Mogul, Passes Away at 71

Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player turned billionaire entrepreneur, has passed away at the age of 71. The Milwaukee Bucks legend suffered a medical emergency while attending a fundraiser in Louisville, Kentucky. According to reports, Bridgeman was in the middle of a conversation when he expressed concern that he might be experiencing a heart attack. Emergency responders quickly arrived, and he was transported to a hospital, but he sadly did not survive.

Bridgeman was one of the most respected figures in Milwaukee Bucks history, playing 10 seasons with the franchise from 1975 to 1984, before a brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. He later returned to the Bucks for one final season in 1986-87. Over his career, he became one of the team’s all-time greats, ranking third in games played (711) and placing in the top 10 in several statistical categories, including total points and minutes played. His contributions to the franchise earned him the honor of having his No. 2 jersey retired in 1988.

Originally selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1975 NBA Draft, Bridgeman was immediately traded to Milwaukee as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers. In 1984, he was traded again, this time to the Clippers, where he played for two seasons before concluding his career with the Bucks.

Despite a solid playing career, Bridgeman’s greatest achievements came after basketball. He built a business empire that made him one of the wealthiest former athletes in history. Starting with fast-food franchises, he eventually owned over 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s locations. His ventures expanded into the beverage industry, where he became a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company. In 2020, he further cemented his legacy by acquiring the historic Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million. His business acumen led Forbes to estimate his net worth at $1.4 billion.

Beyond business, Bridgeman was a philanthropist and a respected community leader. His impact extended far beyond the court and corporate boardrooms, influencing countless lives through his generosity and mentorship. He is survived by his wife, Doris, and their three children. His legacy as both an athlete and businessman will be remembered for generations to come.