Junior Bridgeman, a celebrated figure in both basketball and business, passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 71. Bridgeman's death occurred during a fundraising event at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, where he reportedly experienced a medical emergency, clutching his chest and expressing concerns of a heart attack. Emergency services were summoned, but unfortunately, he did not survive. Bridgeman's passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from numerous figures in the sports community, including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who praised him as an "ultimate entrepreneur" and a mentor to countless athletes.

Born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman's journey began with a successful college basketball career at the University of Louisville. He was instrumental in leading the Cardinals to a Final Four appearance in 1975 and earned accolades such as the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. Bridgeman was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the eighth overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft but was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks shortly thereafter. His NBA career spanned 12 seasons, during which he became known for his scoring ability and versatility on the court.

Throughout his time with the Bucks, Bridgeman established himself as one of the franchise's all-time greats. He ranks among the top ten in several statistical categories, including points scored and games played. His No. 2 jersey was retired by the Bucks in 1988 as a testament to his contributions to the team. After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman transitioned into a successful business career, becoming a billionaire through various ventures including ownership of restaurants and stakes in publishing companies like Ebony and Jet magazines.

Bridgeman's impact extended beyond his professional achievements; he was also known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to community service. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg highlighted Bridgeman's generosity and dedication to helping those in need. In September 2024, Bridgeman returned to the Bucks organization as a minority owner, fulfilling a lifelong dream of re-engaging with the team that shaped much of his early career. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through both his contributions to basketball and his entrepreneurial success.