(Source BlackNews.com)
NATIONWIDE — Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player and billionaire businessman, has died at 71 years old after a medical emergency. With a net worth exceeding $1 billion, he was reportedly the second richest NBA player after Michael Jordan. He owned and operated more than 160 Wendy’s restaurants and about 120 Chili’s franchises
According to WLKY, Bridgeman collapsed during a live interview at a scouting event at The Galt House in Louisville. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
Born in East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman played college basketball at the University of Louisville from 1972 to 1975, leading his team to two Final Four appearances. He then spent over a decade in the NBA, mostly with the Milwaukee Bucks, and had a short stint with the LA Clippers.
During his NBA career, Bridgeman invested in Wendy’s restaurants, later expanding his company, Bridgeman Foods Inc., to over 450 locations. He sold most of them in 2016 and ventured into Coca-Cola bottling and media, acquiring Ebony and Jet magazines. In 2023, he became a minority owner of the Bucks.
His business success earned him a spot on Forbes’ list of billionaire athletes. He also served on various boards, including those of the University of Louisville and Simmons College.
Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and their three children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan.
