Remembering former Louisville basketball star Junior Bridgeman
Former Louisville basketball star and NBA player Junior Bridgeman died Tuesday, March 11, 2025. He was 71.
Former University of Louisville basketball star and billionaire entrepreneur Junior Bridgeman died Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency at the Galt House Hotel during a fundraising event.
According to a report from WLKY-TV, a reporter was speaking with Bridgeman, 71, when he “expressed that he thought he was having a heart attack.”
A representative for the Al J. Schneider Company, which owns the Galt House, confirmed Bridgeman died, calling him “an integral part of our community.”
Here’s what to know about the former University of Louisville basketball star, NBA star and billionaire:
Bridgeman played for Louisville in the 1970s under legendary coach Denny Crum before being drafted to the NBA, where he played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers. His entrepreneurial endeavors included restaurant franchises and a Coca-Cola bottling operation, in addition to owning Ebony and Jet magazines.
Bridgeman died in March 2025 at age 71.
Bridgeman was among the world’s wealthiest retired athletes. His estimated net worth was $600 million according to ESPN.
Bridgeman was married to Doris Bridgeman, a benefactor and business partner of her husband.
Bridgeman had three children: Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, Ryan Bridgeman and Justin Bridgeman.
Bridgeman began his business relationship with Coca-Cola on April 16, 2016, according to heartlandcocacola.com, but the relationship dates back to the end of his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. Bridgeman volunteered at basketball clinics sponsored by Coke.
He bought three Wendy’s franchises after his NBA career ended, according to heartlandcocacola.com, and eventually became one of the largest restaurant franchise operators in the United States, developing a business relationship with Coca-Cola. Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company services the Kansas, Missouri and Southern Illinois territories.
According to ESPN, Bridgeman opened a Wendy’s franchise after he retired from the NBA in 1987. A 2024 article said they lost their investment, and the next year, he used the rest of his savings on five franchises in Milwaukee. Eventually, he bought more in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida.
This story has been updated to add more information.
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