On March 11, 2025, whereas at an occasion in downtown Louisville, Ky., billionaire businessman and philanthropist Ulysses L. “Junior” Bridgemen suffered a medical emergency; he later died. He was 71. Whereas Junior Bridgeman might be well-known to the College of Louisville group and to the followers of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks franchise, the place he performed for 10 seasons, others may not be as conscious of the numerous aspects of his life and profession which have impacted numerous communities in Louisville and Milwaukee, but in addition worldwide.
Listed below are 5 issues to learn about Junior Bridgeman.
1. On the time of his loss of life, Bridgeman’s internet price was reportedly $1.4 billion.
In September 2024, Bridgeman bought a ten% minority stake within the Milwaukee Bucks, the franchise he performed for from 1975 to 1984. His jersey quantity—No. 2—has been retired by the franchise since 1988. That stake within the franchise pushed his internet price into billionaire standing.
2. Publish-NBA taking part in days, Bridgeman grew to become a really, very profitable fast-food franchisee.
At one level, Bridgeman reportedly owned practically 500 Wendy’s, Chili’s and Pizza Hut areas across the nation.
3. He was the proprietor of legacy publications, “Ebony” and “Jet.”
In 2020, Bridgeman bought “Ebony” and “Jet” magazines from earlier proprietor, Clear View Group. He was the proprietor of each publications on the time of his loss of life.
4. He was one of many homeowners of Louisville’s Valhalla Golf Membership, the well-known golf membership designed by Jack Nicklaus.
In 2022, Junior Bridgeman, with different distinguished Louisville businessmen, bought the legendary golf membership from the PGA of America. Valhalla, designed by iconic golfer Jack Nicklaus, has hosted the PGA Championship—one in every of golf’s 4 main contests—a number of instances and served as a website for the Ryder Cup.
5. At one level, Bridgeman was ranked as one of many wealthiest retired athletes on this planet.
In 2016, Forbes ranked Bridgemen because the 4th-wealthiest retired athlete behind solely Michael Jordan, David Beckham, and Arnold Palmer, when he reportedly made practically $32 million per 12 months.
