5 things to know about Junior Bridgeman—the former NBA player turned billionaire businessman—who died at age 71
On March 11, 2025, while at an event in downtown Louisville, Ky., billionaire businessman and philanthropist Ulysses L. “Junior” Bridgemen suffered a medical emergency; he later died. He was 71. While Junior Bridgeman is probably well known to the University of Louisville community and to the fans of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks franchise, where he played for 10 seasons, others might not be as aware of the many facets of his life and career that have impacted various communities in Louisville and Milwaukee, but also worldwide.
Here are five things to know about Junior Bridgeman.
1. At the time of his death, Bridgeman’s net worth was reportedly $1.4 billion.
2. Post-NBA playing days, Bridgeman became a very, very successful fast-food franchisee.
3. He was the owner of legacy publications, “Ebony” and “Jet.”
4. He was one of the owners of Louisville’s Valhalla Golf Club, the famous golf club designed by Jack Nicklaus.
5. At one point, Bridgeman was ranked as one of the wealthiest retired athletes in the world.
thegrio.com |
