By: Joshua Anderson
Former NBA player turned entrepreneur Junior Bridgeman, who revolutionized the blueprint for athletes transitioning into entrepreneurship, has passed away at the age of 71. His remarkable journey from the basketball court to the boardroom has left an impressive impact on the sports and business worlds.
Born in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1953, Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman was a standout athlete from an early age. He played college basketball at the University of Louisville, leading the Cardinals to the Final Four in 1975. That same year he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the eighth overall pick in the NBA draft, only then to be traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Bridgeman spent the majority of his 12-year NBA career with the Bucks, becoming one of the league’s most reliable sixth men. Though he never became an All-Star, he averaged 13.6 points per game and was known for his consistency, leadership, and work ethic. The Bucks later honored him by retiring his No. 2 jersey.
While many professional athletes focus solely on their playing careers, Bridgeman had his eyes set on life beyond basketball. Historically, many athletes struggled financially after retirement. Despite earning millions during their careers, poor financial planning, mismanagement, and lack of business knowledge led to financial hardships for many. During off-seasons, he worked at Wendy’s fast-food restaurants to learn the business from the ground up. After retiring in 1987 he made the move to invest in a Wendy’s. That decision set the stage for one of the most successful post-sports business careers in history.
Bridgeman’s empire quickly expanded. Over the years, his company, Bridgeman Foods Inc., grew to own more than 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s locations across the country. His business acumen didn’t stop there; in 2017, he became a major bottler for The Coca-Cola Company, further solidifying his status as a business powerhouse.
In December of 2020, Bridgeman made headlines again as he purchased the historic Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million. This acquisition helped revive the iconic publication and has ensured their place and legacy in African culture and media.
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Bridgeman’s journey from professional athlete to billionaire businessman set a precedent for future generations of athletes looking to build sustainable careers after sports. His disciplined approach, smart investments, and willingness to learn the business from the ground up became a model followed by stars like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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.”
“He showed us what was possible,” said former NBA player and entrepreneur Magic Johnson. “Junior didn’t just play the game—he mastered the business world, and in doing so, he paved the way for all of us.”
Bridgeman’s influence and impact goes beyond basketball and business. His philanthropic efforts, business leadership, and role in reviving Black media institutions cemented his place in history as more than just an athlete—he was a visionary.
As the sports world mourns his passing, his legacy as a trailblazer for athlete entrepreneurs will continue to inspire for generations to come.
