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
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