Junior Bridgeman, former NBA player and billionaire businessman, died Tuesday, March 11, 2025, after suffering a heart attack during a public event in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 71.
Bridgeman was participating in an interview at the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon for the Boy Scouts Lincoln Heritage Council at The Galt House when he grabbed his chest and told those around him that he believed he was having a heart attack. Emergency services were immediately called, and he was rushed to a local hospital where he later died.
“Junior Bridgeman was an integral part of our community,” said Lance George, Chief Marketing Officer of the Al J. Schneider Company, which represents the Galt House. “From his athletic impact to his philanthropic efforts, he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bridgeman family during this time.”
Born in East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman first gained prominence as a basketball star at the University of Louisville from 1972 to 1975 under legendary coach Denny Crum. During his collegiate career, he was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in his final two seasons and helped lead the Cardinals to two Final Four appearances.
Bridgeman was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975 but was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he would spend the majority of his 12-year NBA career. Known for his versatility and consistency, Bridgeman established himself as one of the league’s best sixth men, averaging 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game during his time with the Bucks.
His impact on the Milwaukee franchise was so significant that the team retired his No. 2 jersey in 1988, and in February 2025, Bridgeman purchased a 10% minority stake in the Bucks, returning to the organization that had been such a significant part of his life.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remembered Bridgeman fondly, calling him “the ultimate entrepreneur” and a “mentor to generations of NBA players and athletes.” The Bucks organization expressed their shock and sadness at Bridgeman’s passing, acknowledging his tremendous impact both on and off the court.
While Bridgeman’s basketball career was impressive, it was his post-playing business success that truly set him apart. Despite never earning more than $350,000 per season during his NBA career, Bridgeman became one of the wealthiest former athletes in the world.
After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman invested in Wendy’s franchises, eventually building a fast-food empire under his company Bridgeman Foods Inc. that included over 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants nationwide. He later expanded his business portfolio to include Coca-Cola bottling operations, purchasing Ebony and Jet magazines after they had declared bankruptcy, and co-founding an investment firm called Manna Capital Partners.
At the time of his death, Forbes estimated Bridgeman’s net worth to be over $1.4 billion, making him a true success story of an athlete who transitioned effectively into the business world.
Beyond his business achievements, Bridgeman was deeply involved in the Louisville community where he continued to make his home after his playing days. He served on the boards of several organizations, including the University of Louisville, Simmons College, and Churchill Downs. He was also a co-owner of the prestigious Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville and ran an annual basketball camp in Milwaukee.
Bridgeman was also known for his commitment to the Milwaukee community during his playing days, serving on the board of directors for Milwaukee Athletes against Childhood Cancer and maintaining close ties to the city throughout his life.
Former University of Louisville basketball coach Denny Crum remembered Bridgeman as “a wonderful person” who was “so giving and kind to everybody.” Bridgeman’s impact extended far beyond the basketball court, as he used his success and wealth to make a positive difference in the communities he called home.
The Bridgeman family business continues through his wife, Doris, and their three children, who have followed their father into the family enterprises. His legacy as a basketball player, businessman, and philanthropist will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and entrepreneurs.
Bridgeman’s story exemplifies the American dream—rising from modest beginnings to achieve tremendous success through hard work, determination, and business acumen. From NBA sixth man to billionaire businessman, Junior Bridgeman’s impact will be felt for years to come in the worlds of sports, business, and philanthropy.
Throughout his life, Bridgeman maintained a reputation for humility despite his extraordinary success. Former colleagues and business partners consistently described him as down-to-earth and approachable, someone who never forgot his roots even as his wealth and influence grew.
The news of Bridgeman’s sudden passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from across the sports world, business community, and the cities of Louisville and Milwaukee, both of which he called home during different phases of his remarkable life.
