Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player who played from 1975 to 1987, has died at the age of 71 after suffering a heart attack during an event in Louisville, Kentucky, according to multiple reports.
His death on Tuesday, March 11, was confirmed by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who expressed his grief in a statement to ESPN, saying he was “devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Junior Bridgeman.”
“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. 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 and as a player who set the standard for representing the league and our game with class and dignity.”
Learn more about Bridgeman’s impressive career, his significant net worth, and his personal life below.
Who Was Junior Bridgeman?
Born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers. A standout shooting guard and small forward, he had a notable career on the court. Before being drafted to the NBA, Bridgeman played for the University of Louisville in the 1970s under the legendary coach Denny Crum. Bridgeman retired from basketball in 1987, and in 1988, the Bucks retired his No. 2 jersey in honor of his 10 seasons with the team.
After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman successfully transitioned into business. In 2024, he purchased a 10% stake in his former team, becoming a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
What Is Junior Bridgeman’s Net Worth?
Bridgeman had an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, according to a previous report by Forbes. He built his fortune by acquiring more than 450 fast-food franchises, including Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, and Chili’s locations, before adding a Coca-Cola bottling company to his portfolio in 2016.
ESPN reported that Bridgeman earned about $2.95 million during his NBA career, with his highest season salary never exceeding $350,000.
Was Junior Bridgeman Married?
Bridgeman was married to his wife, Doris Griffith.
Did Junior Bridgeman Have Kids?
Bridgeman leaves behind his three children—Eden, Justin, and Ryan—whom he had with his wife.
