Louisville recently came together to celebrate the life of Junior Bridgeman. A man whose impact stretched far beyond the basketball court. Held at Southeast Christian Church, attendees used the memorial not just to say goodbye but to reflect on everything Bridgeman meant to them. Whether it was in athletics, business, or philanthropy, his influence was undeniable, not just in Louisville but across the country.
At 16, Doc Rivers had no idea that the man giving him rides to pick-up games would one day become one of the most successful athlete-entrepreneurs in history. “I’ve known Junior since I was 16 years old. You know, he picked me up to take me to pick up games when I was at Marquette,” Rivers shared. Picture a young Doc Rivers receiving rides to games from a man destined to leave an indelible mark on both basketball and the business world.
And even in his final days, Junior Bridgeman was still thinking ahead. During the interview with WLKY News Louisville, Rivers further revealed that after securing a stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, Bridgeman had a bigger plan in mind:
“Four days before he passed. He was so excited because we were talking about he was going to start something with all our players, all the players, teaching them how to preserve wealth, how to do well in business.”
Even as time slipped away, his mind never wavered. Four days before his passing, his focus was on lifting others up.
That kind of selflessness is why so many came to pay their respects, including former NBA star Chauncey Billups and TV personality Star Jones, who ensured their presence at the former Bucks star’s memorial service. But then again, Bridgeman built more than just a business empire; he built a community. Former basketball coach Wade Houston summed it up best:
“He just looked for deals that would not only be profitable for him and his family, but deals that would help other people that work for him and just did things together with a lot of people. “
No wonder that even Winston Bennett, who once played against him for Kentucky, sought his advice when he was looking to step into the business world. “I wanted to get into Subway, and I went to Junior to talk to him about it, and he gave me his blessing. But he also said, ‘just make sure you don’t just stop at one. Keep them coming.’”
Well, there is no doubt about Bridgeman’s business acumen. The fact that his business empire, Bridgeman Foods, eventually grew to more than 400 Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises, cementing his place as one of the most successful franchise owners in the country, is a testament to that. There is no doubt that his legacy beyond the court deserves a big shoutout:
A closer look at Junior Bridgeman’s off-the-court success
Bridgeman’s story isn’t just about basketball—it’s about turning a smart investment into a billion-dollar empire. Less than a month before his passing, he graced Forbes’ daily digital cover as one of the few basketball billionaires, joining Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James. With an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (according to Sporting News), Bridgeman’s success off the court was just as impressive as his playing career.
His journey into business started in 1987. And like many athletes stepping into the corporate world, he had a simple idea. Buy five Wendy’s franchises, let someone else run them, and collect a check every month.
In a 2014 interview with Sports Illustrated, he admitted, “I want to get involved in the restaurant business, and I’ve got somebody that wants to run it. I don’t really want to run it, but hopefully it’s successful.” Sounds easy, right? But Bridgeman quickly learned that running a business was far more complex than just owning it.
Rather than sitting back, he dove in. He trained at every level, making sure he understood every detail of the operation. That hands-on approach paid off, turning his restaurant investments into a massive success.
But Bridgeman didn’t stop there. In 2021, he made headlines again by purchasing Ebony and Jet magazines, ensuring their legacy lived on. His daughter, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, now leads the publications as CEO, continuing the family’s influence in media.
Furthermore, last year, he took his Milwaukee ties even further, buying a 10 percent stake in the Bucks. The $4 billion deal gave him ownership through a preferred limited partner discount, bringing his journey full circle — from player to team owner.
He played the game. He won in business. And in the end, he left behind a blueprint for how to do it right.
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