The world of NBA is synonymous with immense wealth, with names like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James topping the billionaire charts. However, among the pantheon of NBA legends, there’s a name that often escapes the limelight despite boasting a net worth surpassing many of his more famous peers: Junior Bridgeman.
Junior Bridgeman’s Humble Beginnings in the NBA
Junior Bridgeman, a name that may not ring bells like Shaquille O’Neal or Charles Barkley, has a net worth of $600 million, a figure that eclipses those of many current and former NBA stars. Drafted eighth overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1975 NBA Draft, Bridgeman was swiftly traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
During his 12-season NBA career, with ten of those years spent with the Bucks, Junior Bridgeman was a solid player. He averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 849 career games. His performance on the court earned him the honor of having his No. 2 jersey retired by the Bucks. Despite his modest career earnings of approximately $4.2 million, Bridgeman’s post-retirement ventures have significantly boosted his wealth.
A Savvy Transition to Business
Junior Bridgeman’s financial ascent began in the fast-food industry. Using his NBA earnings, he purchased a Wendy’s restaurant. This single investment grew exponentially, eventually expanding to 160 franchises under Bridgeman Foods, Inc. By 2016, his company was also managing over 120 Chili’s franchises along with Fazoli’s and Blaze Pizza outlets.
Junior Bridgeman’s Foray into Media
Junior Bridgeman’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop with fast food. In 2020, he acquired Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million through his company, Bridgeman Sports and Media. These magazines, central to the African-American community, had declared bankruptcy. Bridgeman’s intervention preserved a crucial cultural institution.
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“Ebony kind of stood for Black excellence, showing people doing positive things that could benefit everyone,” Bridgeman said. “It just made you feel good knowing that’s where they’re publishing all the stories in the magazine.”
Diverse Business Ventures
Continuing his diverse business ventures, Junior Bridgeman co-founded Manna Capital Partners, an investment firm. In 2022, the firm announced a partnership to construct and operate an integrated secondary aluminum mill in Los Lunas, New Mexico. This project underscores Bridgeman’s broad entrepreneurial vision.
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— KingWeb178 (@Kingweb178) May 30, 2024
A Legacy of Wealth and Influence
Junior Bridgeman exemplifies the adage that success off the court can far surpass that on it. His business acumen has not only made him one of the richest former athletes but also a significant figure in various industries.
In contrast, Shaquille O’Neal, another wealthy NBA alum, accumulated much of his fortune during his playing career and through numerous endorsement deals. Shaq’s transition to media, as a beloved figure on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” continues to keep him in the public eye, with a reported annual salary of $10 million.
However, the future of “Inside the NBA” hangs in the balance as Warner Bros. Discovery may lose the rights to broadcast NBA games on TNT. The potential shift to networks like ABC, ESPN, NBC, and platforms like Amazon could spell the end of the iconic show.
The Enduring Impact of Junior Bridgeman
Junior Bridgeman’s story is a testament to the power of leveraging one’s platform for greater success. From a solid NBA career to becoming a business mogul, Bridgeman’s journey is inspiring. His ventures in the fast-food industry, media, and beyond highlight a legacy that extends well beyond the basketball court.
