The world lost a great one. Media Take Out confirmed that yesterday Junior Bridgeman, the University of Louisville basketball star-turned-business mogul, passed away Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville.
The 71-year-old collapsed while attending a luncheon for the Lincoln Heritage Council of the Boy Scouts of America, according to sources.
Junior, who was Black and extremely private, is estimated to be worth more than $1 billion at the time of his death.
The Al J. Schneider Company, which owns the Galt House, confirmed Bridgeman’s passing in a statement, honoring his impact both on and off the court.
“Junior Bridgeman was an integral part of our community. From his athletic impact to his philanthropic efforts, he will be deeply missed,” said Lance George, chief marketing officer.
Bridgeman’s legacy extends far beyond basketball—he was a successful businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist who made lasting contributions to Louisville and beyond.
From Basketball Star to NBA Success
Born Ulysses Lee Bridgeman in East Chicago, Indiana, he became a standout player at Louisville under Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum. Bridgeman was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1974-75, leading the Cardinals to the Final Four that season.
Over three seasons at Louisville, Bridgeman scored 1,348 points, helping the program win 72 of 89 games. His team nearly faced Kentucky for the national championship but lost to UCLA in overtime during the Final Four.
Bridgeman was drafted No. 8 overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers but was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar deal.
During his 12-year NBA career, he:
- Scored 11,517 points
- Played 711 games for the Bucks, ranking third in franchise history behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton
- Had his No. 2 jersey retired by Milwaukee in 1988
Bridgeman played for the Bucks (1975-1984, 1986-87) and Los Angeles Clippers (1984-86), earning a reputation as a versatile and dependable scorer off the bench.
A Business Empire Beyond Basketball
Bridgeman didn’t stop winning after his basketball career ended. Instead, he built an empire in the business world, becoming one of the wealthiest former athletes in the U.S.
- He invested in fast food franchises, eventually owning over 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s locations in 20 states before selling them in 2016.
- Became an independent Coca-Cola bottler.
- Purchased Ebony and Jet magazines, ensuring the legacy of Black media ownership.
- Ranked by Forbes as one of the wealthiest former athletes.
His success also made him a sought-after NBA investor. In September 2024, he purchased a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, valuing the franchise at $4 billion. He hoped his role would help younger players understand business and financial success.
“Nobody wants to see guys not be successful, or as successful as they could be,” he said at the time.
Bridgeman also co-owned Valhalla Golf Club, purchasing it in 2022 alongside Jimmy Kirchdorfer, David Novak, and Ches Musselman.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Beyond business, Bridgeman was deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. He served as:
- Chairman of U of L’s Board of Trustees (2003-2005, briefly again in 2016)
- A board member for Fifth Third Bank, the Louisville Free Public Library, West End School, and the Crusade for Children Foundation
- A capital campaign co-chair for the African American Heritage Foundation
A Lasting Legacy
Junior Bridgeman broke barriers in sports, business, and community leadership, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and vision. His journey from college basketball star to NBA player to multimillionaire businessman is an inspiration for generations to come.
His impact will not be forgotten—by the Louisville community, the Milwaukee Bucks, or the countless people he mentored and supported throughout his extraordinary life.
Rest in power, Junior Bridgeman.