‘Beloved son.’ Community mourns death of KY entrepreneur, basketball legend Junior Bridgeman
An outpouring of condolences was offered Tuesday after the sudden death of Kentucky businessman and basketball great Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, 71.
Bridgeman was being interviewed by WLKY at a Scouting America event at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville Tuesday when he said he thought he was having a heart attack, the Louisville television station reported.
Bridgeman was a former standout player on the University of Louisville basketball team, where he was named an All-American. After graduating from UofL in 1975, he spent a decade playing in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers and served as president and treasurer of the NBA Players Association.
He built an empire of Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants and owned Jet and Ebony magazines. He was also part owner of Valhalla Golf Club.
Last year, Bridgeman bought a stake in the Bucks, which said in a statement posted on social media that they were “shocked and saddened” by his passing.
“Junior’s retired No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum, serving as a constant reminder of his outstanding play on the court and his impact on the Bucks’ success,” the statement said in part.
“His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks’ organization.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said, “Junior made us all better people and Louisville a better city.”
“Today, we lost a kind, generous and groundbreaking legend,” Greenberg said in a statement.
“He was an All-American at UofL, an NBA All-Star, and a self-made billionaire. Yet, I will most remember Junior Bridgeman for his quiet, impactful assistance to others in need, his love for Doris and his entire family, and his never-ending support for our community.”
The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville said Bridgeman has left a “lasting legacy.”
“A beloved son of Louisville, philanthropist, and prolific businessman, he was a revered and respected leader both locally and throughout the nation,” the organization said. “Much like Muhammad Ali, Junior’s success in sports ... only served as a platform to advance his life and philanthropy.”
“Today we lost a legend and beloved member of the Louisville basketball family,” Louisville Athletics said in a statement. “Junior Bridgeman leaves an unmatched legacy and we are forever grateful for the impact he’s made on our program, our university and our city.”
University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope said Bridgeman was ”a giant in the state of Kentucky.
“He made a powerful impact throughout our commonwealth, and we will remember him fondly,” Pope wrote in a post on the social media platform X.
Former UK and current Arkansas men’s basketball coach John Calipari said he was “in shock and so sad” upon learning of Bridgeman’s death.
“One of the nicest and caring person I’ve ever met,” Calipari wrote in a social media post. “He was successful in everything he did. He was always looking for win win opportunities. He treated people right. He was beacon of hope for many and a mentor to anyone that asked his help. My prayers to his wife, children and extended family. This one hurts deep.”
Bridgeman was a former chairman of the University of Louisville board of trustees and served on the boards of a number of organizations, including that of Churchill Downs Inc.
“Junior was not just an esteemed member of the CDI Board of Directors, but a one-of-a-kind figure who embodied the spirit of the Kentucky Derby and whose entrepreneurial vision and commitment were instrumental in shaping our company,” Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said in a statement.
“His insights and leadership were invaluable, steadily advising us through opportunities and challenges with grace, calm and wisdom.
“Over the course of a lifetime, you can count yourself lucky if you meet one person like Junior Bridgeman. His kindness and humility masked a life of extraordinary accomplishment and profound impact that extends far beyond our organization; he has indelibly shaped the fabric of Louisville, inspiring countless individuals with his sage leadership and generosity.”
Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and children, Eden, Justin and Ryan.
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "‘Beloved son.’ Community mourns death of KY entrepreneur, basketball legend Junior Bridgeman."
