Basketball legend Junior Bridgeman passed away on Tuesday, March 17, after suffering a medical emergency while speaking at the Galt House for the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting, Louisville.
According to the reports, Bridgeman was speaking in an interview when he “expressed that he thought he was having a heart attack.” He was taken away in an ambulance but did not make it.
Birdgeman was 71.
Junior Bridgeman, born Ulysses Lee Bridgeman Jr., had a remarkable career in the NBA and an even more impressive legacy off the court. Bridgeman played 12 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he became a fan favorite and a key contributor, and became one of the franchise’s legend, having his jersey #2 retired.
Junior Bridgeman. Photo credits: ESPN
After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman transitioned into the business world, where he built a successful empire. Despite never earning more than $350,000 per season during his NBA career, Bridgeman’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own over 100 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants. He later expanded his portfolio by becoming a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company and acquiring Ebony and Jet magazines.
Basketball Industry Expresses Emotions Over Junior Bridgeman Passing
With the passing of basketball icon Junior Bridgeman, the entire industry sent their heartfelt messages to those he left behind, and also touched on his legacy and contribution not only to the Bucks but to the sports as a whole.
“Today, we lost a kind, generous, and groundbreaking legend,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a statement. “He was an All-American at UofL, an NBA All-Star, and a self-made billionaire. Yet, I will most remember Junior Bridgeman for his quiet, impactful assistance to others in need, his love for Doris and his entire family, and his never-ending support for our community. Junior made us all better people and Louisville a better city.”
Today, we lost a kind, generous and groundbreaking legend. He was an All-American at UofL, an NBA All-Star, and a self-made billionaire. Yet, I will most remember Junior Bridgeman for his quiet, impactful assistance to others in need, his love for Doris and his entire family, and…
— Mayor Craig Greenberg (@LouisvilleMayor) March 11, 2025
“Junior was the ultimate entrepreneur who built on his impactful 12-year NBA playing career by becoming a highly respected and successful business leader,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “He 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 and as a player who set the standard for representing the league and our game with class and dignity.”
“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,” the Milwaukee Bucks said in a statement via X. “His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization.”
We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. We send our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/XakoTcDeF5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 11, 2025
Junior Bridgeman. Photo credits: ESPN
Junior Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and their three children: Eden, Justin, and Ryan.
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