Junior Bridgeman, the legendary NBA player, passed away at the age of 71 after experiencing a medical emergency during an event in Louisville, Kentucky, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced in a statement.
“I am devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Junior Bridgeman. He was an exceptional entrepreneur who, after his remarkable career as an NBA player, became a highly respected and successful business leader,” he said.
Throughout his career, Bridgeman amassed a great fortune, which will now be inherited by his family. Here’s what we know about the basketball star’s net worth.
What is Junior Bridgeman’s net worth?
In February of this year, Forbes revealed that the former player’s net worth surpassed $1.4 billion, which he achieved not only through his basketball career but also through acquiring restaurants. Bridgeman once owned over 450 restaurants across the United States, as well as other businesses, including:
- 250 Wendy’s restaurants
- 125 Chili’s restaurants
- 45 Fannie May Chocolate stores
- A Coca-Cola bottling plant
- Ebony Magazine
- Jet Magazine
- Fazoli’s
Just six months ago, he had also acquired 10% of the Bucks’ shares for a valuation of 3.4 billion dollars.
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Throughout his business career, the former NBA star acted as a mentor to many athletes, providing them with guidance on investments, advising them to avoid squandering money, and teaching them the importance of generating long-term wealth so that their descendants could enjoy the fruits of their success.
How much money did Junior Bridgeman make in the NBA?
Bridgeman had a 12-year career in the NBA, playing for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers before venturing into business. During his time in the league, he earned around $2.95 million, with no season surpassing $350,000 in earnings.
What did Junior Bridgeman die from?
Although it has only been stated that Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency, reports indicate that he clutched his chest during a fundraising lunch, suggesting that the former NBA player may have suffered a heart attack.
Who was Junior Bridgeman?
Junior Bridgeman, a standout figure from the University of Louisville and a participant in the 1975 Final Four, was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the eighth pick in the 1975 NBA Draft.
The former player, who stood at 1.96 meters, was involved in a notable trade that brought Lew Alcindor (now known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to the Bucks, the team he played for during a decade and whose number 2 was retired in honor of his contribution. Junior’s retired number 2 jersey is displayed at the Fiserv Forum, serving as a permanent tribute to his outstanding performance on the court and his impact on the success of the Bucks.
Over his 12 years in the NBA, Bridgeman averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, solidifying his status as one of the league’s Best Sixth Men. He also served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 1985 to 1988.
He retired in 1987 and later ventured into the business world, where he achieved notable success as an entrepreneur and investor, building a substantial fortune. He was married to Doris Bridgeman, who was not only his wife but also his business partner in several ventures. Together, they had three children: Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, Ryan Bridgeman, and Justin Bridgeman.
