Billionaire, former NBA player passes away in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE/Gray News) – Former NBA player and billionaire businessman Junior Bridgeman has passed away at 71 after suffering a medical emergency.

Bridgeman reportedly clutched his chest and mentioned feeling like he was having a heart attack during an event at the Galt House in Louisville on March 11. Medical personnel were called, and the room was cleared. Later, the Al J. Schneider Company, which owns the venue, confirmed his passing and offered condolences.

A standout at the University of Louisville from 1972 to 1975, Bridgeman played for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1975 to 1984. After his NBA career, he became a successful entrepreneur, owning over 500 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants nationwide. He also held leadership roles in Louisville’s business community and co-owned Valhalla Golf Club.

In 2016, Forbes ranked him the fourth-wealthiest retired athlete, behind Arnold Palmer, David Beckham, and Michael Jordan.

Tributes have poured in from across the sports world. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg praised him as a “kind, generous, and groundbreaking legend.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called him “the ultimate entrepreneur,” while Magic Johnson remembered him as a great player and an even better person.