The basketball world is mourning the loss of Junior Bridgeman, an iconic figure in Milwaukee Bucks history, who passed away at the age of 71. His death, confirmed by the Bucks on Tuesday, comes as a devastating blow to the NBA community, which revered him not only for his contributions on the court but also for his unparalleled success in business.
A Legacy Etched in Bucks History
Bridgeman was more than just a player—he was a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s golden era in the late 1970s and early ‘80s. Spending 10 of his 12 NBA seasons with the Bucks, the 6-foot-5 guard-forward carved out a reputation as a consistent scorer and fierce competitor.
His numbers tell the story of his impact:
- 11,517 career points, including 9,892 for the Bucks
- 13.6 points per game career average
- A career-high 17.6 PPG in the 1979-80 season
- Nine straight seasons averaging at least 12.5 PPG
Bridgeman played a key role in Milwaukee’s sustained dominance, alongside teammates Marques Johnson and Sidney Moncrief. The Bucks won at least 50 games in seven straight seasons, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 1983, 1984, and 1986. Though the team never secured a championship, Bridgeman’s contribution to the franchise remains legendary.
His influence was so profound that his No. 2 jersey was retired by the Bucks, hanging in the rafters of Fiserv Forum as a testament to his impact.
Doc Rivers: “Junior Bridgeman is the Role Model Players Should Follow”
The basketball world is filled with stories of LeBron James and Magic Johnson setting the standard for off-court business success. But Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers believes Junior Bridgeman deserves just as much—if not more—recognition.
“I keep thinking about LeBron and Magic and how influential they are to our league – and they are – and what they’ve done off the court is amazing. But the role model we should have is Junior Bridgeman when you think about it.”
Rivers’ words highlight Bridgeman’s legacy beyond basketball—his ability to seamlessly transition from an NBA career into one of the most successful post-playing business ventures in sports history.
From Basketball Star to Billionaire Business Mogul
Unlike many players who struggle to find their identity post-retirement, Bridgeman masterfully navigated the business world, turning his NBA earnings into a billion-dollar empire.
Bridgeman’s ventures in the hospitality industry were nothing short of remarkable:
- He owned hundreds of Wendy’s, Chili’s, and Pizza Hut franchises, creating a vast network of successful businesses.
- He expanded his portfolio with bottle manufacturing plants for Coca-Cola, proving his business acumen extended beyond food chains.
- His investments and business savvy propelled his net worth to $1.4 billion, according to Forbes.
His financial success made him one of the wealthiest former professional athletes in the world—a feat that places him in the same breath as the likes of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson in terms of post-career earnings.
Bridgeman’s Full-Circle Return to Milwaukee
In September 2023, Bridgeman’s life came full circle when he returned to the Bucks organization as a minority owner, purchasing a 10% stake in the franchise. It was a homecoming that brought him back to the city where he had made his name in basketball.
Bucks co-owners Wes Edens, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Jamie Dinan, and Mike Fascitelli welcomed him with open arms, calling his investment “a momentous occasion for our organization and the city of Milwaukee.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Pays Tribute
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a heartfelt statement reflecting on Bridgeman’s impact on the league and the business world.
“Junior was the ultimate entrepreneur who built on his impactful 12-year NBA playing career by becoming a highly respected and successful business leader. He served as a mentor to generations of NBA players and athletes across sports who were eager to learn from him about what it takes to thrive in the business world.”
Bridgeman’s mentorship to young players has left an indelible mark on the NBA’s new wave of stars, offering a blueprint for success beyond basketball.
A Life of Humility and Quiet Strength
Despite his immense success, those who knew Junior Bridgeman often described him as humble, kind, and reserved.
Doc Rivers recalled how Bridgeman never sought attention:
“When he was an NBA player, if you would have just met him on the street, you wouldn’t have known. He wouldn’t have told you and he didn’t act like it.”
“When he became a billionaire, you wouldn’t have known and he would not have told you and he didn’t act like it. The word gentleman is like gentle man, and that is as good as you can get with Junior.”
Junior Bridgeman’s passing is a profound loss for both the NBA and the business world. His journey—from East Chicago, Indiana, to NBA stardom, to billionaire entrepreneur, and finally Bucks ownership—is one of determination, vision, and humility.
His influence will be felt not only in Milwaukee but across the entire sports world, as a shining example of how to turn on-court success into off-court greatness.
Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and their children Eden, Justin, and Ryan. Though he may be gone, his legacy as a basketball legend and business icon will continue to inspire for generations to come.