Former NBA player and billionaire entrepreneur Junior Bridgeman passes away.

Former NBA sixth man Junior Bridgeman, who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful post-playing business figures in sports, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71. A billionaire philanthropist and, more recently, a minority owner of the [Milwaukee Bucks], Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency during a fundraising event in Louisville, Kentucky.

According to multiple Louisville television stations, Bridgeman clutched his chest during the luncheon, expressing concerns that he was experiencing a heart attack. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, as reported by WLKY and WAVE.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mourned Bridgeman’s passing, stating:

"I am devastated to learn of Junior Bridgeman’s sudden passing. He was the ultimate entrepreneur, building on his impactful 12-year NBA career to become a highly respected and successful business leader. Junior mentored generations of NBA players and athletes, guiding them on how to thrive in the business world. For 50 years, he was a dedicated member of the NBA family—most recently as a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, an investor in NBA Africa, and a player who exemplified class and dignity."

Silver extended his condolences to Bridgeman’s wife, Doris, their children—Eden, Justin, and Ryan—the Bucks organization, and his many friends and admirers in the basketball community.

Hailing from East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman was a standout player on the 1971 Washington High School Senators' undefeated 29-0 state championship team. He went on to become an All-American at Louisville, leading his team to the 1975 Final Four. That same year, the Los Angeles Lakers selected the 6-foot-5 wing with the No. 8 overall pick in the NBA Draft, then traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster deal for franchise star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Bridgeman spent 12 seasons in the NBA, playing 10 with the Milwaukee Bucks and two with the LA Clippers. Over his career, he averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 25 minutes per game, earning a reputation as one of the league's top sixth men. From 1985 to 1988, he also served as president of the National Basketball Players Association.

Bridgeman earned approximately $2.95 million over his NBA career, never making more than $350,000 in a single season. However, after retiring, he built a fast-food empire that grew to over 450 restaurants nationwide at its peak. He later became a Coca-Cola bottling distributor, with operations spanning three states and extending into Canada. In addition to his business ventures, he acquired Ebony and Jet magazines and invested in NBA Africa.

In September, Bridgeman purchased a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, and by February, Forbes reported that his net worth had surpassed $1.4 billion.