Junior Bridgeman: From NBA Sixth Man to Billionaire Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Former Milwaukee Bucks star and business mogul passes away at 71 after building a $1.4 billion empire

Junior Bridgeman, the former NBA sixth man who transformed himself into a billionaire entrepreneur and recently became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, died Tuesday at age 71 after suffering a medical emergency during a fundraising event in Louisville, Kentucky.

NBA Career and Early Success

Bridgeman, a native of East Chicago, Indiana, rose from modest beginnings to become a basketball standout. He starred on the 1971 Washington High School Senators' undefeated state championship team before becoming an All-American at the University of Louisville, where he reached the 1975 Final Four.

Selected eighth overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1975 NBA Draft, Bridgeman was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Los Angeles. During his 12-year NBA career (10 seasons with the Bucks and two with the LA Clippers), Bridgeman established himself as one of the league's premier sixth men, averaging 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 25 minutes per game.

Beyond his on-court contributions, Bridgeman served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 1985 to 1988, demonstrating his leadership abilities off the court.

Business Empire and Entrepreneurial Success

What truly set Bridgeman apart was his remarkable post-basketball career. Despite earning only about $2.95 million during his NBA career (never more than $350,000 in a single season), Bridgeman built a fast-food empire that eventually included more than 450 restaurants nationwide.

His business ventures expanded to include:

• A Coca-Cola bottling distributorship with territory across three states and into Canada

• Ownership of iconic publications Ebony and Jet magazines

• Investment in NBA Africa

• A 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, purchased in September 2024

By February 2025, Forbes reported that Bridgeman's net worth had surpassed $1.4 billion, making him one of the most successful athlete-turned-businessmen in history.

Commitment to Financial Literacy

Bridgeman was passionate about teaching financial literacy to NBA players. He regularly spoke to rookies, veterans, and entire teams about managing money responsibly, cautioning that "whether it's $80,000 or $80 million, it can still disappear on you."

He championed the concept of generational wealth, encouraging players to stretch their earnings to benefit future generations of their families. Bridgeman took pride in involving his three children—Eden, Justin, and Ryan—in various aspects of his business empire.

Legacy and Impact

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver described Bridgeman as "the ultimate entrepreneur" and "a dedicated member of the NBA family for 50 years" who "set the standard for representing the league and our game with class and dignity."

The Milwaukee Bucks organization, where Bridgeman's No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum, expressed shock and sadness at his passing, stating that "his memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization."

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg remembered Bridgeman not just for his athletic and business achievements but for "his quiet, impactful assistance to others in need," his love for family, and his "never-ending support for our community."

Bucks coach Doc Rivers called Bridgeman a strong role model, noting, "He is the exact model the league should use every day when they are talking to our young players."

Junior Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and their children Eden, Justin, and Ryan. His remarkable journey from the basketball court to the boardroom serves as an enduring inspiration for athletes and entrepreneurs alike.