Junior Bridgeman Phone Number, Fan Mail, Family, Bio, Interview, Stats, Death, Contact Details

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ulysses Lee "Junior" Bridgeman (September 17, 1953 – March 11, 2025) was a former NBA player, entrepreneur, and billionaire businessman. After a successful 12-year career in the NBA, he became one of the wealthiest former athletes by building a business empire in fast food franchises, the beverage industry, and media ownership.

 

Overview

Full Name: Ulysses Lee "Junior" Bridgeman

Born: September 17, 1953

Died: March 11, 2025 (Age 71)

Hometown: East Chicago, Indiana

Profession(s): Former NBA Player, Entrepreneur, Business Executive

 

Basketball Career:

College: University of Louisville (1972–1975)

NBA Career: 1975–1987

 

Teams:

Milwaukee Bucks (1975–1984, 1986–1987)

Los Angeles Clippers (1984–1986)

Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard

 

Notable Achievements:

Averaged 13.6 points per game over 12 seasons.

Renowned as a sixth man and key contributor off the bench.

Milwaukee Bucks' franchise leader in games played (711) at the time of his retirement.

Jersey number #2 retired by the Milwaukee Bucks.

 

Business & Entrepreneurial Success:

Bridgeman Foods Inc.:

Transitioned from basketball to business, purchasing Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises.

Built an empire of over 450 restaurant locations across the U.S.

 

Beverage Industry:

Purchased Coca-Cola bottling operations in multiple regions.

 

Media Ownership:

Acquired Ebony and Jet magazines in 2020.

 

Wealth:

Estimated net worth over $600 million at his peak.

One of the richest former NBA players.

 

Philanthropy & Legacy:

Known for mentorship, business leadership, and community involvement.

Acquired a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, marking his return to the organization.

Honored for his contributions to sports, business, and philanthropy.

 

Personal Life:

Wife: Doris Bridgeman

Children: Eden, Justin, and Ryan Bridgeman

 

Death:

Passed away on March 11, 2025, at a leadership luncheon in Louisville, Kentucky, after experiencing a medical emergency.

Bridgeman’s life is a testament to success beyond sports, proving that athletes can thrive in business and leave a lasting impact.

 

Career Averages

Games Played (GP): 849

Minutes Per Game (MPG): 25.3

Points Per Game (PPG): 13.6

Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 3.5

Assists Per Game (APG): 2.4

Steals Per Game (SPG): 0.8

Blocks Per Game (BPG): 0.3

Field Goal % (FG%): 47.5%

Free Throw % (FT%): 84.0%

 

Bridgeman was known for his efficiency, leadership, and ability to contribute off the bench. He was one of the NBA's best sixth men, consistently providing scoring and stability for his teams, especially with the Milwaukee Bucks.

 

Junior Bridgeman family

 

Wife: Doris Bridgeman

 

Children:

Eden Bridgeman – Business executive and entrepreneur; involved in the family business, including Ebony and Jet magazines.

Justin Bridgeman – Business professional, following in his father's entrepreneurial footsteps.

Ryan Bridgeman – Also involved in business and investments.

Bridgeman was known for being a devoted family man, often emphasizing the importance of education, hard work, and financial literacy to his children. His family has played a significant role in continuing his business legacy.

 

Junior Bridgeman Son and Daughter

 

Junior Bridgeman’s Children:

Eden Bridgeman – Business executive and entrepreneur. She plays a key role in Bridgeman Enterprises and is actively involved in the media industry, particularly with Ebony and Jet magazines, which the family acquired in 2020.

 

Justin Bridgeman – Business professional, following in his father’s entrepreneurial path. He has been involved in the restaurant and franchise business, helping expand the family's operations.

 

Ryan Bridgeman – Also engaged in business and investments, contributing to the family's financial and business empire.

 

All of Junior Bridgeman’s children have been involved in business, investments, and continuing their father’s legacy.

 

Junior Bridgeman House

 

We unable to provide specific details about Junior Bridgeman's personal residence, as such information is typically private and not publicly disclosed. Junior Bridgeman was a prominent figure in both the sports and business communities, known for his successful NBA career and subsequent entrepreneurial ventures. He passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 71.

 

Junior Bridgeman Books

 

Junior Bridgeman has not authored any books himself. However, he contributed to the book "Unbridled Spirit," published in September 2017, which features insights from various Kentucky entrepreneurs, including Bridgeman and John Y. Brown.

 

For more in-depth information about Junior Bridgeman's life and career, you might explore biographies, interviews, or reputable news sources that have covered his achievements and contributions.

 

Junior Bridgeman Net Worth

 

Junior Bridgeman's net worth experienced significant growth over the years due to his successful business ventures. Initially, his net worth was estimated at approximately $600 million, surpassing that of many prominent NBA players, including Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, and Steph Curry.

 

 However, as of February 2025, Forbes estimated his wealth at $1.4 billion, making him one of approximately 14 Black billionaires in the United States.

 

Bridgeman's journey to billionaire status began after his 12-year NBA career, during which he earned a total of $2.95 million, with his highest single-season salary being $350,000. Post-retirement, he invested in fast-food franchises, owning over 500 Wendy's, Chili's, and Pizza Hut locations at the peak of his franchise operations. In 2016, he sold most of his restaurant franchises for an estimated $250 million and transitioned into the beverage industry, becoming a Coca-Cola distributor with a territory spanning three states. Over eight years, he grew his bottling business revenue nearly threefold to nearly $1 billion by 2023.

 

In December 2020, Bridgeman further diversified his portfolio by acquiring Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million, preserving these iconic publications. Additionally, in September 2024, he purchased a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, valued at approximately $300 million, marking his return to the organization where he spent the majority of his NBA career.

 

These strategic business decisions and investments significantly contributed to Bridgeman's substantial net worth, reflecting his remarkable transition from professional athlete to successful entrepreneur and investor.

 

Is Junior Bridgeman a billionaire?

 

Yes, Junior Bridgeman was a billionaire at the time of his passing in March 2025. His net worth had grown significantly over the years, reaching approximately $1.4 billion by early 2025.

 

Bridgeman's wealth was amassed through a series of strategic business ventures following his 12-year NBA career. He initially invested in fast-food franchises, owning over 500 Wendy's, Chili's, and Pizza Hut locations at the peak of his franchise operations. In 2016, he sold most of these restaurant franchises for an estimated $250 million and transitioned into the beverage industry, becoming a Coca-Cola distributor with a territory spanning three states. Over eight years, he grew his bottling business revenue nearly threefold to nearly $1 billion by 2023.

 

In December 2020, Bridgeman further diversified his portfolio by acquiring Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million, preserving these iconic publications. Additionally, in September 2024, he purchased a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, valued at approximately $300 million, marking his return to the organization where he spent the majority of his NBA career.

 

These strategic business decisions and investments significantly contributed to Bridgeman's substantial net worth, reflecting his remarkable transition from professional athlete to successful entrepreneur and investor.

 

How many restaurants does Junior Bridgeman own?

 

At his peak, Junior Bridgeman owned over 500 restaurant franchises, including Wendy’s, Chili’s, and Pizza Hut locations across the United States.

 

In 2016, he sold most of his restaurant holdings for an estimated $250 million and transitioned into the beverage industry, becoming a major Coca-Cola distributor. His Coca-Cola bottling business eventually generated nearly $1 billion in revenue by 2023.

 

Even after selling his restaurant empire, Bridgeman remained a highly successful entrepreneur, later acquiring Ebony and Jet magazines and investing in the Milwaukee Bucks.

 

Does Junior Bridgeman still own Wendy's?

 

No, Junior Bridgeman no longer owns Wendy’s franchises.

 

At his peak, he owned over 500 Wendy’s and Chili’s locations, making him one of the largest franchisees in the U.S. However, in 2016, he sold most of his restaurant holdings for an estimated $250 million to shift his focus to the beverage industry.

 

After selling his restaurants, he became a Coca-Cola bottling distributor, significantly growing his business and increasing his net worth to over $1.4 billion by 2025.

 

Junior Bridgeman Dating History

 

There are no public records or reports on Junior Bridgeman’s dating history.

 

He was married to Doris Bridgeman for many years, and they built a family together, raising their children Eden, Justin, and Ryan Bridgeman. Throughout his life, he was known as a devoted family man and businessman, keeping his personal life private and out of the media spotlight.

 

Junior Bridgeman Wife

 

Junior Bridgeman's Wife: Doris Bridgeman

 

Junior Bridgeman was married to Doris Bridgeman for many years. The couple shared a strong partnership, both personally and professionally, as they built their family and business empire together.

 

About Doris Bridgeman:

She has largely kept a private life, staying out of the public spotlight.

She and Junior raised three children: Eden, Justin, and Ryan Bridgeman.

She supported her husband's transition from NBA player to successful businessman, as he built one of the largest fast-food franchise operations in the U.S. and later expanded into the beverage and media industries.

Doris played a crucial role in their family’s success and legacy, helping maintain the strong foundation that allowed their children to follow in their father’s entrepreneurial footsteps.

 

Junior Bridgeman Honors

 

Junior Bridgeman’s Honors & Recognitions

Basketball Honors:

Milwaukee Bucks Jersey Retired (#2) – Honored for his contributions to the team as a key player and sixth man.

University of Louisville Hall of Fame – Recognized for his outstanding college career.

Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee – Honored for his high school and collegiate achievements.

 

Business & Leadership Honors:

Named One of the Wealthiest Former Athletes – Reached billionaire status through business ventures.

Owner of Ebony and Jet Magazines – Preserved two iconic African American publications.

Recognized as One of the Largest Fast-Food Franchise Owners – Owned over 500 Wendy’s, Chili’s, and Pizza Hut locations.

Coca-Cola Bottling Executive – Successfully expanded a multi-state bottling business.

 

Philanthropy & Community Recognition:

Leadership Awards from Business Organizations – Honored for his mentorship and contributions to economic development.

Involved in Community and Youth Programs – Supported education, financial literacy, and business mentorship programs.

Bridgeman’s legacy extends beyond sports, making him one of the most successful athlete-turned-businessmen in history.

 

Junior Bridgeman Death Cause

 

Junior Bridgeman, the esteemed former NBA player and successful businessman, passed away at the age of 71 on March 11, 2025. He experienced a medical emergency during the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting in Louisville, Kentucky. While at the event, Bridgeman reported chest pains and believed he was having a heart attack. He was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

 

Bridgeman's sudden passing has deeply affected both the sports and business communities, where he was highly regarded for his contributions and leadership.

 

Junior Bridgeman Fan Mail Address

 

Below is the official fan mail address for Junior Bridgeman:

 

Junior Bridgeman Fan Mail Address

Junior Bridgeman

c/o Bridgeman Sports and Media

1230 Liberty Bank Lane

Louisville, KY 40222

USA

 

Tips for Sending Fan Mail:

Include a SASE: If you’d like a response, include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to make it easier for him to reply.

 

Be Respectful: Keep your letter polite and concise. Share your admiration for his basketball career or business achievements.

 

Be Patient: It may take time to receive a response due to the volume of mail and his busy schedule.

 

If you’re looking to send fan mail or connect with Junior Bridgeman, We recommend using the official address above.🏀✨

 

Junior Bridgeman Death & Cause

Passed away on March 11, 2025, at age 71

Experienced a medical emergency during a leadership luncheon in Louisville, Kentucky

Reported chest pains and suspected a heart attack before being rushed to the hospital

 

Junior Bridgeman Business Empire & Wealth

After Basketball: Transitioned into business, becoming one of the most successful former athletes

 

Fast-Food Franchises:

Owned over 500 Wendy’s, Chili’s, and Pizza Hut locations

Sold most of his restaurant holdings in 2016 for $250 million

 

Coca-Cola Bottling Business:

Became a major Coca-Cola bottling distributor

Business revenue grew to nearly $1 billion by 2023

 

Media Ownership:

Acquired Ebony and Jet magazines in 2020 for $14 million

 

Milwaukee Bucks Ownership:

Purchased 10% stake in the Bucks in 2024

 

Junior Bridgeman Net Worth:

 

Estimated at $1.4 billion (2025), making him one of the wealthiest former NBA players