Junior Bridgeman Net Worth 2024: Junior Bridgeman is a former NBA player turned successful entrepreneur with a net worth of $600 million in 2024, known for his fast-food franchises and Coca-Cola bottling operations.
Key Takeaways
- Junior Bridgeman has built a $600 million net worth after his NBA career.
- He transformed from NBA sixth man to successful fast food franchise owner.
- Bridgeman recently purchased a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks valued at $4 billion.
- His business empire includes Coca-Cola bottling operations and magazine ownership.
Junior Bridgeman: From NBA Sixth Man to $600 Million Business Mogul.
Early Life and NBA Career
Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman was born on September 17, 1953 in East Chicago, Indiana. The son of a blue-collar steel mill worker, Bridgeman showed promise on the basketball court from a young age. He led his high school team to a state championship in 1971 before playing college basketball at the University of Louisville.
Drafted 8th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975, Bridgeman was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the deal that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to LA. Over his 12-year NBA career, Bridgeman became known as a reliable sixth man, averaging 13.6 points per game primarily coming off the bench. He spent 10 seasons with the Bucks and two with the Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 1987.
While a solid contributor, Bridgeman’s NBA career was not particularly remarkable. His highest single-season salary topped out at $350,000. However, it was his foresight and business acumen that would set him apart in his post-playing days.
Building a Fast Food Empire
Even during his playing career, Bridgeman recognized the finite nature of an NBA career. He began purchasing Wendy’s franchises, working in the restaurants during the offseason to learn the business from the ground up.
By the time he retired from basketball, Bridgeman owned three Wendy’s locations. He steadily expanded his portfolio over the following decades. At its peak, Bridgeman Foods Inc. operated over 160 Wendy’s and 120 Chili’s franchises across the United States. The company employed over 11,000 people with annual revenues exceeding $530 million.
Bridgeman’s hands-on approach and work ethic were key to his success. He was often seen working behind the counter at his own restaurants, shocking customers who recognized the former NBA player.
Diversifying His Business Portfolio
In 2016, Bridgeman sold his fast food empire, with the parent company of Chili’s buying back 116 of his franchise locations for around $300 million. However, he was far from done in the business world.
In 2017, Bridgeman became a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company. He now serves as president and CEO of Coca-Cola Heartland, overseeing bottling operations across multiple states. The company operates 18 regional distribution centers and a production plant in Lenexa, Kansas.
Bridgeman has also ventured into media ownership. In 2020, he purchased the iconic Ebony and Jet magazines out of bankruptcy for $14 million. The move was seen as an effort to revive two pillars of African American media and culture.
Returning to Basketball as an Owner
In September 2024, Bridgeman’s career came full circle as he purchased a 10% stake in his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks. The deal valued the franchise at $4 billion, marking Bridgeman’s entry into NBA ownership after decades of business success.
Net Worth and Legacy
Junior Bridgeman’s net worth is estimated at $600 million, making him one of the wealthiest former athletes in the world. His success story serves as a model for professional athletes looking to build sustainable wealth beyond their playing careers.
Bridgeman’s business achievements have earned him numerous accolades. He has been recognized as one of the most admired business leaders in America and sits on several corporate boards. His jersey number 2 was retired by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1988, honoring both his playing career and subsequent success.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Married to his wife Doris for over 35 years, Bridgeman has three adult children who all hold MBAs and work in the family business. He has used his success to give back, supporting basketball camps and a school for homeless children in Louisville.
Bridgeman’s story is a testament to the power of long-term thinking, hard work, and seizing opportunities. From NBA sixth man to fast food mogul to media owner and now part-owner of an NBA franchise, Junior Bridgeman continues to expand his business empire while serving as an inspiration to athletes and entrepreneurs alike.
Latest News
On September 26, 2023, the Milwaukee Bucks officially announced that Junior Bridgeman has become a significant minority owner of the franchise. This move marks a notable return to the organization where Bridgeman spent the majority of his playing career.
Bridgeman expressed his excitement about rejoining the Bucks organization in an ownership capacity, stating, “I’m thrilled to join the ownership group of the Milwaukee Bucks, a team that has meant so much to me throughout my life. This is a dream come true, and I look forward to working with the entire organization to continue building on the success the Bucks have achieved.”
The Bucks’ current ownership group, led by Wes Edens and Marc Lasry, welcomed Bridgeman warmly. They highlighted his deep connection to the team and the city of Milwaukee, as well as his impressive business acumen developed over the years.
This latest development not only strengthens Bridgeman’s ties to professional basketball but also adds another chapter to his remarkable journey from player to successful businessman and now team owner. It underscores the respect he commands both in the sports world and the business community, further cementing his legacy as one of the most successful former athletes in terms of post-career achievements.
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