Photo: Getty Images
Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player and owner of Ebony magazine, has died, per Fox 5 Atlanta. He was 71.
According to reports, Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency during a fundraiser at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville on Tuesday (March 11). Emergency medical personnel responded to the situation.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the death of the longtime Milwaukee Bucks player in a statement.
"I am devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Junior Bridgeman," Silver said. "Junior was the ultimate entrepreneur who built on his impactful 12-year NBA playing career by becoming a highly respected and successful business leader. He served as a mentor to generations of NBA players and athletes across sports who were eager to learn from him about what it takes to thrive in the business world. Junior was a dedicated member of the NBA family for 50 years -- most recently as a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, an investor in NBA Africa, and as a player who set the standard for representing the league and our game with class and dignity.
"We express our heartfelt condolences to Junior's wife, Doris, their children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan, the Bucks organization, and his many friends and admirers in the basketball community," the commissioner added.
Bridgeman was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975 but was later traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a deal for Kareem Abdul-Jabar. He spent most of his twelve seasons in the NBA with the Bucks before ending his career with a short stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.
After retiring, Bridgeman became a successful entrepreneur, running hundreds of restaurant franchises and acquiring Ebony and Jet magazines in 2020. Bridgeman's acquisition of the iconic Black magazines helped ensure their continued presence in the industry.
Bridgeman became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, purchasing a 10 percent stake in his longtime franchise. The former NBA player's No. 2 jersey was retired by the Bucks, another testament to his impact on the organization.
Milwaukee Mayor Craig Greenberg described Bridgeman as "a kind, generous, and groundbreaking legend" both on and off the court.
Rest in peace, Junior Bridgeman.
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