LOUISVILLE, KY — NBA basketball star-turned billionaire Junior Bridgeman, one of the wealthiest Black people in America, has died at 71.
Bridgeman died after he reportedly suffered a medical emergency during a fundraising event in Louisville on Tuesday.
Bridgeman, who was known and respected on and off the court, helped lead the University of Louisville to the Final Four and eventually signed with NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.
Bridgeman would leave the NBA and go on to own stakes in multiple businesses, as well as the Milwaukee Bucks franchise.
Per ESPN, Bridgeman made about $2.95 million in his NBA career, never exceeding $350,000 in a season. Bridgeman would go on to own 450 fast food restaurants, and become a Coca-Cola bottling distributor. He also owned Ebony and Jet magazines.
Forbes reported in February that Bridgeman’s net worth surpassed $1.4 billion.
Many tributes were shared for Bridgeman, including Republican Senator Mitch McConnell and NBA legend and businessman Magic Johnson.
More on Junior Bridgeman’s life and legacy.
