LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WSFA) – Billionaire businessman and former NBA player Ulysses L. “Junior” Bridgeman has died.
According to our sister station WAVE, Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency Tuesday night at an event in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 71.
Bridgeman was a founding partner of Manna Capital Partners, which in 2022, announced a nearly $600 million investment in a beverage production and distribution complex in Montgomery. The 180-acre “beverage park” is located at the Hope Hull exit off Interstate 65, and the first bottles are expected to come off the line in 2025.
The Milwaukee Bucks co-owner was the keynote speaker at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s 150th annual meeting in 2022.
“Montgomery stood out from every other community we worked with,” Bridgeman said of the city. “The leadership here, the commitment of your team, the passion about this place, and your partnership, is truly genuine.”
FILE – Former Milwaukee Bucks player Junior Bridgeman talks to the media before an NBA basketball game between the Bucks and Brooklyn Nets, March 1, 2014, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps, File)(JEFFREY PHELPS | AP)
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Junior Bridgeman, a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former NBA star. His remarkable journey from the basketball court to business leadership exemplified excellence, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting communities.
Mr. Bridgeman’s $600 million investment in Montgomery was more than economic development—it was a testament to his belief in opportunity and empowerment. His dedication to fostering jobs, supporting minority entrepreneurs, and building a brighter future for our city will leave a lasting legacy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss. Montgomery will forever be grateful for his contributions.”
Bridgeman played for the Bucks from 1975 to 1984, went on to play for the Los Angeles Clippers for two years, then returned to Milwaukee for one more season before retiring from the NBA in 1987. Before going pro, he led the University of Louisville to the 1975 Final Four.
WAVE reports after retirement, he began his career in business and eventually owned hundreds of Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants across the country. He was also a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company.
The University of Louisville said in a statement Wednesday that Bridgeman also bought Ebony and Jet magazines.
Forbes recognized Bridgeman in February for his successful business ventures and post-basketball career.
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