Junior Bridgeman, Former NBA Star and Entrepreneur, Dies at 71
Junior Bridgeman, who transitioned from a successful NBA career to a thriving entrepreneurial venture, owning numerous fast-food restaurants, a Coca-Cola bottling firm, and a minority interest in the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away on Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 71.
According to a family spokesperson, the cause of death was a cardiac incident. While attending a charity event at the Galt House Hotel, Mr. Bridgeman reportedly informed a local reporter that he felt he was experiencing a heart attack, leading to his hospitalization where he later died.
Business Acumen and Wealth
Bridgeman’s remarkable business achievements brought his net worth to $1.4 billion this year, positioning him within an elite group of NBA players, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James, who possess ten-digit fortunes, as reported by Forbes.
Following Bridgeman’s death, Magic Johnson praised him on X, reminiscing about Mr. Bridgeman’s exceptional shooting skills as a former small forward and noting that he set an example for many athletes, proving that success can continue beyond their playing careers.
NBA Career Highlights
Although he wasn’t a major star during his 12 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Bucks, Bridgeman was a reliable sixth man who significantly contributed to the team’s performance under Coach Don Nelson. From 1975 to 1987, he averaged 13.6 points per game.
In 1979, Coach Nelson acknowledged Bridgeman’s impactful bench contributions, stating, “A player that can come in and pick up a team like he can is important.” He emphasized the significance of Bridgeman’s role, regardless of whether he started games.
Ventures into Business
Bridgeman’s initial business success occurred in 1978 when he invested $150,000 in a startup cable television company owned by Jim Fitzgerald, the majority owner of the Bucks. A few years later, Fitzgerald surprised him with a $700,000 payout.
Inspired by Wayne Embry, the Bucks’ general manager and former NBA player who owned McDonald’s franchises, Bridgeman recognized during his playing days that owning a business could be more fulfilling than working for others post-retirement.
Fast-Food Empire and Bottling Business
In 1984, Bridgeman made his first investment in a Wendy’s restaurant in Chicago. He later partnered with former NBA player Paul Silas on a Brooklyn Wendy’s location, which ultimately proved unprofitable. After leaving the Bucks, Bridgeman pursued formal training in restaurant management.
By 1988, he had acquired five Wendy’s franchises in Milwaukee for approximately $750,000, often working alongside employees to gain firsthand experience of the business.
Expansion and Partnerships
Bridgeman expanded his fast-food portfolio to around 450 restaurants across the U.S. In 2016, he decided to divest a portion of his holdings, selling 120 Chili’s and 100 Wendy’s to a private buyer, while also securing territories from Coca-Cola in several states to establish a bottling operation.
In 2018, he further enhanced his beverage business by entering a partnership to acquire Coca-Cola’s Canadian bottling and distribution operations, collaborating with Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
Early Life and Basketball Achievements
Ulysses Lee Bridgeman Jr. was born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana. He was a pivotal player for the University of Louisville, leading them to the Final Four in 1975 and setting a tournament record with 36 points against Rutgers.
Selected eighth overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1975 NBA draft, Bridgeman was soon traded to the Bucks in a significant deal that brought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Los Angeles.
Legacy and Family
Bridgeman played for the Bucks alongside notable teammates like Sidney Moncrief and Bob Lanier, helping the team secure six division titles. He was traded to the Clippers in 1984 but returned to the Bucks for the 1986-87 season. After retiring, he shifted focus to the food industry, believing it was a safe investment.
In 2020, Bridgeman purchased the historic Ebony and Jet magazines out of bankruptcy, aiming to revitalize their significance in American culture. He is survived by his wife, Doris, and several children who hold prominent roles in his business ventures.
In a full-circle moment, Bridgeman reconnected with his basketball roots last September by acquiring a 10 percent stake in the Bucks.
