Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, a legendary Louisville basketball player, 12-season NBA veteran, and self-made billionaire, has passed away at 71.

Junior Bridgeman’s Legacy in Basketball

Bridgeman first made his mark as a standout player for the Louisville Cardinals, leading the team to the 1975 NCAA Final Four. A 6-foot-5 wing, he was a two-time Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of the Year and averaged 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game over three seasons.

He was the No. 8 overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in the blockbuster deal for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bridgeman played nine seasons with the Bucks and finished his NBA career in 1987 with the Los Angeles Clippers before returning to Milwaukee for a final season. His No. 2 jersey was retired by the Bucks in recognition of his contributions.

From NBA Star to Billionaire Entrepreneur

After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman transitioned into the business world, starting with the purchase of three Wendy’s franchise locations. He became one of the largest restaurant franchise owners in the U.S., later expanding into the Coca-Cola bottling industry.

In 2020, he acquired Jet and Ebony magazines for $14 million, reviving the iconic Black publications as a digital brand alongside his daughter, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, who now serves as CEO. As of February 2025, Forbes estimated his net worth at $1.4 billion.

Tributes Pour in for Junior Bridgeman

Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency at a fundraiser event in Louisville on Tuesday, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

The Milwaukee Bucks, where he played the majority of his career, released a statement honoring his contributions both on and off the court:

“Junior’s retired No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum, a reminder of his impact on the Bucks’ success. His perseverance and business acumen made him one of the nation’s top business leaders. His memory will always inspire the Bucks organization.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute:

“Junior Bridgeman was the ultimate entrepreneur, serving as a mentor to generations of NBA players. His 50-year legacy in the NBA—as a player, investor, and business leader—set the standard for professionalism and dignity.”

Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and three children: Eden, Justin, and Ryan.