Fans and fellow athletes alike shared memories and offered condolences after learning that an iconic veteran of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks franchise died suddenly following an emergency at an event this week.
Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman was 71.
The Daily Caller reported on the circumstances surrounding his death:
His sudden passing happened during a speaking engagement Tuesday at the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting that took place in Louisville, Kentucky.
During his medical emergency, he was seen holding his chest, per a report from the New York Post. It’s believed that Bridgeman had a heart attack.
“Tough day, Just a really tough day,” said Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers after hearing about the death of Bridgeman.
Bridgeman had a career stat line of 13.6 points-per-game, 3.5 rebounds-per-game and 2.4 assists-per-game in 10 campaigns with the Bucks.
The NBA legend wasn’t just known for his on-court success though, he was also recognized for his business ventures off the court that ultimately saw him become a billionaire and Milwaukee Bucks minority owner.
Tributes soon began pouring in across social media:
Shaq reflects on the passing of his friend, @Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman
pic.twitter.com/YiDzQhqR4R — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 11, 2025
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
Here’s a full transcript of Johnson’s message from above:
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 impression on me. He was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet.
What people don’t realize is Junior didn’t make a fortune as a player, but he turned what he earned into something extraordinary, becoming a billionaire African American businessman in this country. His business portfolio included owning 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises in 20 states, Coca-Cola bottling operations in the US and Canada, Ebony and Jet magazines, Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, and he was a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. Junior also served on the boards of PGA of America, Churchill Downs Inc, Fifth Third Bank, Jackson Hewitt, Governors Scholar Program, Crusade for Children Foundation, University of Louisville’s Board of Trustees, Louisville Arena Authority, and more. He is the blueprint to so many current and former athletes across sports that success doesn’t end when you’re done playing.
Beyond business, Junior and his wife Doris made a lasting impact by opening doors for African Americans at the Kentucky Derby. Through their annual pre-Derby party and fundraising efforts, they gave access to so many, including myself, to experience this iconic event – something that had historically been out of reach for many in our community.
Thank you, Junior, for being an inspiration on how to be a man, a husband, a father, and a businessman. You spent so much of your post-playing career mentoring and educating athletes and I always reference your journey when I speak to young athletes about transitioning from the court or field to the boardroom. Your legacy will transcend beyond your financial success to the doors you opened for so many and inspiring generations to come. Rest in peace, my friend. Cookie and I will be praying for his wife Doris, kids Eden, Justin, and Ryan, and the entire Bridgeman family.
The Bucks also released a statement, per the NBA:
The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman.
Junior’s retired No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum, serving as a constant remembrance of his outstanding play on the court and his impact on the Bucks’ success. His hard work and perseverance led him to become one of the nation’s top business leaders and, last September, Junior’s professional life came full circle when he returned to the Bucks family as an owner. His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization.
We are heartbroken by Junior’s passing and we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Doris, his children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan, his entire family and all those close to him.
Here’s a clip of Rivers’ reaction to the news:
“Tough day. Just really a tough day.”
Doc Rivers on the passing of Junior Bridgeman. pic.twitter.com/byDXWevkOT
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 11, 2025
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