Bucks legend Junior Bridgeman passes away after collapsing at speaking engagement

Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA star and minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, died Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency in Louisville, WHAS11.com reported. He was 71.

Bridgeman, a Louisville native, collapsed while speaking at an event at the Galt House in downtown Louisville. According to witnesses, he was heard telling someone that he believed he was having a heart attack.

Bridgeman was a standout at the University of Louisville, leading the Cardinals to the 1975 national championship game. His NBA career spanned from 1975 to 1987, during which he was selected by the Lakers with the eighth overall pick in the ’75 draft. He was traded to Milwaukee shortly after, in a deal that brought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Los Angeles.

Known as a reliable sixth man, Bridgeman averaged 13.6 points per game over 849 career appearances, primarily with the Bucks, though he also had a two-year stint with the Clippers.

Following his playing career, Bridgeman became a highly successful businessman, reportedly amassing a net worth exceeding $600 million. In September 2024, he purchased a 10% minority stake in the Bucks, paying an estimated $340 million for his share.

The Bucks organization released a statement expressing its sorrow over Bridgeman’s death.

“The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman, the statement read. “Junior’s retired No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum, serving as a constant remembrance of his outstanding play on the court and his impact on the Bucks’ success.

“His hard work and perseverance led him to become one of the nation’s top business leaders and, last September, Junior’s professional life came full circle when he returned to the Bucks family as an owner. His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization.

“We are heartbroken by Junior’s passing and we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Doris, his children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan, his entire family and all those close to him.”

Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and their three children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan.

Hoops Wire sends its condolences to the Bridgeman family and Bucks Nation.