Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player and successful businessman, passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 71. He experienced a medical emergency during the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting in Louisville, Kentucky.
Highlights
- Junior Bridgeman passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 71, following sudden cardiac arrest.
- Junior Bridgeman played high school basketball with his older brother, Samuel ‘Sam’ Bridgeman, in the early 1970s.
- Sam Bridgeman proceeded with his career as an insurance agent after graduation.
Bridgeman played 12 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks. Moreover, in 2024, Bridgeman acquired a 10% ownership stake in the Bucks.
After his demise, the Milwaukee Bucks released a statement remembering his legacy. On the X (formerly Twitter) post, Bucks writes,
We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner, Junior Bridgeman. We send our deepest condolences to his family.
Milwaukee Bucks
Junior passed away on March 11, 2025, after he reportedly experienced chest pains while attending the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting in Louisville, Kentucky.
NBA figures, including Shaquille O’Neal and Charle Barkely, honored Bridgeman for his business acumen and contributions to the sports.
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Junior Bridgeman. I had the privilege of playing against him, and I’ll never forget how he had one of the sweetest jump shots in the NBA. But it was his character, his kindness, and his gentle soul that truly left a lasting… pic.twitter.com/i3xa3fgWuu
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 11, 2025
Similarly, on his X account, former basketball player and businessman Earvin Magic Johnson also shared a tribute to Junior Bridgeman. He writes,
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Junior Bridgeman. I had the privilage of playing against him, and I’ll never forget how he ha one of the sweetest jump shorts in the NBA.
Earvin Majoc Johnson
Junior Bridgeman played for the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks from 1975 to 1987, during his 12-year NBA career.
Moreover, after retiring from basketball, Bridgeman became a successful entrepreneur. He owned over 450 restaurants, including Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises.
Similarly, he also became a Coca-Cola bottling distributor. In 2020, he purchased Ebony and Jet magazines, preserving their legacy in African American culture.
Junior Bridgeman’s demise has caused a significant loss in sports and business ventures. Moreover, his family members are devastated and in profound grief.
Junior Bridgeman Had An Athletic Upbringing; With His Older Brother Samuel Bridgeman He Followed His Sportic Journey
Ulysess Lee Bridgeman Jr. was born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana. He grew up with two brothers and a sister.
Junior attended East Chicago Washington High School. His older brother, Samuel ‘Sam’ Bridgeman, played basketball in high school and his collegiate year.
Both Bridgeman brothers were members of their 1971 High School basketball team, which went undefeated (29-0) and won the Indiana State High School Basketball championship.
Furthermore, Junior Bridgeman’s older brother Sam captains his high school’s cross country, basketball, and track teams.
Moreover, Sam was the first in his family to earn a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Denver.
After his collegiate seasons, Sam terminated his career path from sports to Insurance agent, while Junior Bridgeman continued his sports journey to NBA.
Sam Bridgeman graduated with a BA in Communications from the University of Denver and a Master’s of Science in financial services from American College.
Furthermore, he began his career as an agent with New York Insurance Company in 1985 in Colorado. After 34 years of service, Sam retired in 2017.
While the younger brother, Junior Bridgeman, became recognized in the American basketball realm and business ventures, older brother Sam has his name as an exponential mentor and trainer.
Sam Bridgeman Is Married To His Beloved Wife Yvonne And Is The Father Of Four Children
Junior Bridgeman’s brother, Sam, is married to his love of life, Yvonne Bridgeman. The couple has been together for over four decades; they tied the wedding knot on October 11, 1984.
Sam Bridgeman’s wife, Yvonne, is a white American. Before her, he was married to a black woman who majored in psychology.
In his talk with Bill Peacock, Sam talked about his previous marriage. He stated,
Then I was married to a different lady at that time that I am today. I’m happy to be married 36 years now to Yvonne. But my wife then was black and a psychology major
Sam Bridgeman
However, Sam’s ex-wife’s details have not been disclosed. Sam is the father of four children and grandfather of ten grandchildren.
Furthermore, he is also a loving great-grandfather to three. Sam Bridgeman is now living his retired life and spending time with his family.
In his LinkedIn bio, Sam Bridgeman mentions that he is now helping to develop grandchildren into basketball players.
Sam’s granddaughter Shanni played collegiate basketball for the University of Texas in 2016–2017.
Additional Information
- At the time of his demise, the estimated net worth of Junior Bridgeman had surpassed $1.4 billion.
- Junior Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and three children, Justin, Ryan, and Eden Bridgeman.
