NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Milwaukee Bucks minority owner

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Milwaukee Bucks minority owner, NBA Africa investor and former NBA player Junior Bridgeman:

“I am 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.

“We express our heartfelt condolences to Junior’s wife, Doris, their children, Eden, Justin and Ryan, the Bucks organization, and his many friends and admirers in the basketball community.”

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Junior Bridgeman, a distinguished former NBA player and successful entrepreneur, passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 71. His death came after he suffered a medical emergency during a public event in Louisville, Kentucky.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed profound sorrow over Bridgeman’s passing, stating, “I am 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.”

Born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana, Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman emerged as a basketball talent during his collegiate years at the University of Louisville. He played under Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum and led the Cardinals to the 1975 Final Four, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court.

Bridgeman’s professional career began when he was selected eighth overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Shortly after, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the deal that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Los Angeles. Over 12 NBA seasons, primarily with the Bucks, Bridgeman became known for his consistent performance, playing 711 games—a franchise record at the time. His contributions were honored by the Bucks retiring his No. 2 jersey in 1988.

Transitioning from sports to business, Bridgeman exhibited the same dedication that marked his basketball career. He invested in fast-food franchises, notably Wendy’s and Chili’s, eventually owning and operating over 450 restaurants across 20 states. This venture propelled him into the realm of successful entrepreneurs, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $600 million in 2016.

In 2020, Bridgeman expanded his business portfolio by acquiring the iconic African-American magazines “Ebony” and “Jet,” aiming to revitalize the publications and preserve their cultural significance.

His commitment to basketball remained unwavering. In September 2024, Bridgeman returned to the Milwaukee Bucks organization as a minority owner, becoming the first former player to hold an ownership stake in the team. The Bucks organization expressed their grief, stating, “The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization.”

Beyond his professional endeavors, Bridgeman was deeply involved in philanthropic activities, particularly in Louisville. He served on the University of Louisville’s Board of Trustees and contributed to various community initiatives, reflecting his belief in giving back to the community that supported him.

Bridgeman’s sudden passing has elicited tributes from various sectors. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg remarked, “He was an All-American at U of L… and a self-made billionaire. Yet I will most remember Junior Bridgeman for his quiet, impactful assistance … .”

Senator Mitch McConnell also honored Bridgeman, highlighting his dual legacy in sports and business, and his generous philanthropic efforts that benefited many in Kentucky and beyond.

Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and their three children: Eden, Justin, and Ryan. His life journey—from a dedicated athlete to a pioneering businessman and philanthropist—serves as an enduring inspiration, illustrating the profound impact of hard work, vision, and community commitment. Bridgeman’s Legacy: From NBA Star to Business

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