The culture and business world just lost a legend. Junior Bridgeman, a former Milwaukee Bucks star and an incredibly successful businessman, has passed away at the age of 71.
RIP.
The team confirmed his passing in a statement, expressing their shock and sorrow.
“The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman,” the statement read.
Bridgeman was also a minority owner of the team. More below.
Bridgeman, whose No. 2 jersey hangs proudly at Fiserv Forum, was an integral figure in the team’s history and business world. “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. 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,” the statement continued.
However, it was off the court where Bridgeman truly made his mark. Despite earning only $2.95 million throughout his NBA career, with his highest season salary being $350,000, Bridgeman wisely invested his earnings and built a vast business empire. His portfolio included hundreds of Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises, a Coca-Cola bottling distribution company spanning three states and Canada, and the acquisition of Ebony and Jet Magazines. He also invested in NBA Africa and became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, with his wealth eventually growing to exceed $1 billion.
Bridgeman’s journey to greatness began in East Chicago, Indiana, where he led Washington High School to a perfect 29-0 record and a state championship. He became an All-American at the University of Louisville, making a memorable run to the 1975 Final Four. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975 as the eighth overall pick and was traded to the Bucks as part of a major deal involving Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Throughout his NBA career, Bridgeman was a key figure on Bucks teams that were among the best of the 1980s. He played alongside stars like Marques Johnson and Sidney Moncrief, contributing to seven consecutive 50-win seasons and three Eastern Conference finals appearances in 1983, 1984, and 1986. As a versatile 6-5 guard-forward, Bridgeman spent 10 of his 12 seasons in Milwaukee, scoring 9,892 of his 11,517 career points. He averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, with his best scoring season coming in 1979-80 when he averaged 17.6 points per game.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute to Bridgeman’s remarkable legacy. “I am devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Junior Bridgeman,” Silver said. “Junior was the ultimate entrepreneur who built on his impactful 12-year NBA playing career by becoming a highly respected and successful business leader. Junior was a dedicated member of the NBA family for 50 years — most recently as a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, an investor in NBA Africa.”
The business world and culture will remember Junior Bridgeman as an NBA legend and a savvy and visionary entrepreneur, while representing a beacon of hope that anyone can achieve the American dream.
Junior Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and their children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan. His legacy will live on through the Bucks and his many ventures, which have left a lasting impact on countless industries.
