The Richest NBA Player You've Never Heard Of...

Get to know Junior Bridgeman, the basketball legend turned successful businessman. In this exclusive video, learn about Bridgeman's journey from his days on the court to his current role as a franchisee and investor. Discover how he turned his passion for the game into a successful career and find out what advice he has for aspiring entrepreneurs. Watch now and be inspired by the story of Junior Bridgeman. #nba #lebronjames #basketball
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One of the wealthiest NBA players of all time is someone you may have never heard of, his name is Junior Bridgeman. He played for the Bucks throughout the 70's and 80's never making more than $350,000 a year. That is obviously quite a bit of money, but he managed to turn that into hundreds of restaurants and businesses and now he is worth an astounding 600 million.

[@acurry2323]

I worked for junior bridgeman around 2002 And I must say He was a great man to work with He would have board meetings with corporates of the company while helping us crewmembers knockout our daily rush I always respected how he would help us when most CEO's Wouldn't lift a finger to help they crew

[@charleston3698]

Good role model

[@emmettkarlmosley2223]

Junior, East Chicago needs you!

[@judithhowell1214]

Really rich people aren't just rich in money! Their rich in wisdom, rich in knowledge, rich in empathy, rich in accomplishments & rich in character!

[@benjaminmuhammad9152]

Moo

[@PB-yc6kd]

Nah that's crazyyy😂😂 I was a GM at KFC so I can appreciate sum shit like that

[@howell7136]

I'm 90 years old and I knew Junior Bridgeman when he was playing. I also knew that he was one of the richer player due to his business savvy.

[@ecwcof79]

He is a legend and great man, he employs over 9800 people. He continues to inspire and help people make a living. That’s what great people do! WE ARE EC. WASHINGTON SENATORS!!!

[@lindawebb4956]

Very informative. Thanks

[@Dweeble233]

This man and Bob Smith should tour Middle and High Schools as time permits. America's youth needs to see more men LIKE THESE.

[@alvisbondwinchester7757]

...Yep...instead of rappers👍👍👍

[@kenwesaw1944]

I hate those stories about sports stars that made millions of dollars and are now broke this story makes me feel good

[@brittdavid8591]

I was stepping out of an elevator one day, downtown in Milwaukee and a gentleman walked in, I looked up and said hello Sir, it was Mr. Bridgeman, from the Milwaukee Bucks I was awe struck...

[@leebowens2631]

Junior Bridgeman ! I remember when the Bucks got him, he was out of Louisville, great shooter and invested in Wendy's fast food restaurants and got rich, I've been a Bucks fan forever being born in the city in the middle 1950's

[@Ace-vf2uf]

Lovely and I appreciate this.

[@rufusjohnson-xd7zf]

Junior Bridgman is on par with Magic Johnson and Roger Staubach as far as being a pro athlete that became rich in business.With out the benefit of huge endorsement deals from his playing days.

[@gregorywilson8640]

His team-mate Sidney Moncrief did well also owning several dealerships and restaurants after his playing days.

[@dannydanix8698]

A very wise man and visionary, he didn't depend on his NBA salary, instead he invested on the right places. Just a great man all around.

[@cmann517]

This is a great black history 👏🏾

[@Ace-vf2uf]

Well done sir and a smart, savvy and intelligent businessman he is. My people, a good education will never decay hence this man’s position in life at the moment.

[@BAF-ch4ts]

Jr Bridgeman was a very good player on great Milwaukee teams. He is even better as a business owner.

[@overlord5580]

I love stories like this . . . David Bing is another great success story!

[@dougmcfee8351]

Did you notice, he worked at Wendy’s during the off season to learn the business. He didn’t by 3 then ask hey Joe how’s my business doing, then he reinvested the money like compound interest.

[@johnniehargon9340]

Much respect to this man very much respect business man from Milwaukee Wisconsin follow his foot steps 😊 you are y king 👑!!

[@Greyareas27]

They shouldn't presume nobody has ever heard of him. Junior Bridgeman was not a star,, but was a very good player with the Bucks. Glad to see a player so successful in the business world.

[@SportZ-4-Lyfe]

I remember Junior Bridgeman from the great Louisville teams of the 70's Denny Crum era. I loved the "jump out of the gym" athletes that were vintage Louisville type players.

[@pbodyblaque2532]

Bravo to Junior Bridgeman. I salute u, Brother. U show that there’s hope for the rest of us. Jet & Ebony Magazine!?. Cool.👍🏾

[@shakanawao5950]

Not all Athletes are "Dumb Jocks". NBA's Jamal Mashburn did the basically the same thing, even though Jamal made more money in the NBA and played longer.

[@liahfox5840]

Dude looks like Eddie Murphy playing Eddie Murphy in the thumbnail.

[@primetestimonychannel5557]

Great man with great business acumen, worth emulating.

[@Renould2010]

Powerful Story of intelligent Man, 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😘🎊🙏🙏🙏🙏💎,Blessings and, Health.

[@HotShot36203]

This man should be an inspiration to all the young players of the NBA take advantage of there God given talents to go far and help themselves and others in life because as we all know the ability to play any kind of sport is very temporary and could end at any moment educate yourself ànd prepare for other options this guy was definitely a head of his time May God Continue to Bless him

[@Scenestate-07]

Who's here after Charles Barkley interview on Club Shay Shay (Shannon Sharpe podcast)?

[@anthonybanks4958]

I have heard of him, he was a pretty good player for Milwaukee, he was one of the draft picks the Bucks got from the Lakers in the trade that sent Kareem to the Lakers. That trade involved 5 players & picks. Mr. Bridgeman became one of those pick. He was a active player that could drive & dush & hit the 15foot jumper & played good defense, today he would be called a "3 & D" guy.

[@lavoisier2815]

Absolutely incredible more of today's Athletes and Entertainers should consider doing something like this with their Money.

[@edwardtatum9930]

East Chicago Washington high school from E.C. Indiana played on one of the all time high school best teams in U.S. history. They were undefeated and had Pete Trgovich,Tim Stoddard,Wayne Williams . Three of starting five or maybe more made baseball and. Basketball pros. Hope I didn't miss anyone. Stoddard played for North Carolina state 1974 NCAA Champs and pitched for Chicago Cubs and Trgovich played for John Wooden. Bridge and played in Final Four with Louisville.

[@dxwallace55]

I went to Bloom Township High school in Chicago Heights Illinois. We played ECW in 1979 and won on a last second buzzer beater. Great game against a great school..

[@rmacdawg4774]

outstanding achievement by Jr Bridgeman, im also a UofL alumni …. Go Card!

[@darrylnelson05]

Junior Bridgeman was one of my favorite NBA players back in the day. Question, while he's made millions. How much does he pay his employees that do the actual work?

[@fritzpollard266]

I grew up in Milwaukee and the Packers and Brewers were mostly garbage but Bucks of this era were always good and actually won more games in the 80’s other than Lakers, Celtics and Sixers but alternated conference finals loses to Bird or Dr J. What I remember most is how he was near the end of warmups he would leap and touch the top of the backboard and of being crushed when the Bucks traded him with Marques Johnson (my favorite player) Harvey Catchings but the trade was great for the Bucks. Later my company sold restaurant supplies to Wendy’s and I was able to meet him in person and was hugely impressed when after he heard one of his employees cussing he quietly took him aside and told him how disrespectful it is to those within earshot to hear someone swearing. He’s always been exemplary human being giving more than taking and his success is the result

[@jlewis8829]

Me too...mil town baby 29th auer Avenue

[@garyg7549]

Oh yes I remember that trade. Those players were getting older and done Nelson brought in younger Terry Cummings who carried the team for a few more years. Pretty good trade from Milwaukee standpoint. Marques Johnson went home to the Clippers and finished out his career.

[@comicus6769]

There is a little irony between him and Marques Johnson. In the final four (1975) Louisville was seconds away from knocking out UCLA when Marques scored the winning basket allowing Wooden in his last year to move on to the championship game.

[@dtbredhalf5823]

From East,Chicago In right next to Gary,In!🖤❤️🏀

[@kingstonstreet3726]

I love watching business documentaries you did an amazing job

[@kwabeasu22]

This was very inspiring 💯❤️

[@danieldroukis5431]

That is "magnate" NOT magnet.

[@coldwater7774]

I Met Mr. Bridgeman when I worked for Heartland Coca-Cola, he should write a book!

[@ChairmanMo]

Someone else did a video on Junior Bridgeman I think it was Andy Hoops; but his video is from about 5 years ago! Thanks for the update!

[@804titan]

how awesome is that ...wow !! good for him

[@normancarter5419]

This is an incredible story.

[@cherylunion]

May the Lord continue to bless you sir!!

[@captainroastabotch5300]

This is very impressive, What a Smart Man

[@bocephus1911]

The great Denny Crump , loved junior , , Denny doesn’t get enough credit for how good of coach and human Denny was

[@patmyles4776]

I love entrepreneurs. The hardest working people in the world.

[@Richardlizhu]

I believe at 0:32 it is magnate not magnet?

[@gregdaniels8193]

I have heard of him. He played with Sidney Moncrief and Marques Johnson.

[@ka9202]

Great vid on Junior Bridgeman. Another player that I think is worth looking into is Vinnie "Microwave" Johnson, he's done some big things in business

[@apex_prowler95]

Mr Bridgeman was the best 6th man in the league during his time. He wasn't just an average player.

[@billarmstrong9000]

I see him play back in the day have a great game in the NBA

[@Dweeble233]

I learned something here today. Subscribed.

[@soloclickads8829]

Those are the kinds fo stories I need more of. Thank you.

[@leronchambliss2081]

Great story.

[@docdee770]

WOW! He's a work-a-holic who's destined to be a BILLIONAIRE$

[@jhobbs05]

A lot of these players can learn from him.

[@mackd1111]

I'm very impressed 👏🏿 👌🏽

[@innoc3ntbystndr]

Shay and Sir Charles brought me here.

[@jules-florenteya2354]

Ce que ce joueur NBA a réussi à faire est réellement très impressionnant mais aussi positivement très inspirant.Surtout pour nous, membres de la communauté noire, qui souvent pensons que notre couleur de peau est un handicap insurmontable pour réussir en affaires.

[@chrisbullock6477]

Humility, Willingness to learn, think outside of the box and believe in your own abilities. And take risk. All things that he implemented. The results speak for themself.

[@gerggbergr8976]

The 70s and 80s were in my humble opinion the Greatest years for Basketball. You didn't see the carrying of the ball the traveling and most of all the Defense was a key part of the game. Hard fouls for showing up a player. The great Defences by players like Sydney Moncrief Paul Pressy, and Junior Bridgeman. And the Box out by real big men like the Dobber Big Bob Lanier. Junior played when scoring points was work,nothing free.

[@cocolyndon4604]

Bravo, kids need to hear his story. Rappers too, stop spending money on flashy things, they're not assets.

[@chrisbullock6477]

And that's why you should finish out your college years if at all possible.

[@Polarcutter]

Smart cookie, God Bless him🙏

[@carolcarney1022]

I know who he is doggone it... A University of Louisville legend..

[@jaykaynum5569]

3:34 5 Boros 🗽. She's beautiful 💙

[@tdsportscards]

Kudos to Bridgeman

[@horacejohnson1730]

Let me cut it all short... It's called, investing, end of story.

[@jerrysmith8899]

Junior Bridgeman is from the state of Indiana. A former NBA player who is now a wealthy entrepreneur.

[@mattnowak9770]

I'm pretty sure he owned the Chili's I worked at in Rockford, IL. Good man!

[@thescatman5029]

If you subscribed to Black Enterprise Magazine in the 90s and early 2000s, you knew of Ulysses Lee Bridgeman, Jr; always listed as BE's top 100 businessmen....!

[@naimahabdullah-gulley4405]

He needs a masterclass in business. Very smart man.

[@pierredelafrance4962]

Vinny Johnson from the Piston did well also.

[@Dweeble233]

Economic power is EVERYTHING.

[@kingjacobworldtv12]

When black history comes around his name should be mention .

[@xelefonte]

You failed to mention that despite his average statistics, the Bucks still retired his jersey for several reasons (mostly in the same fashion as Udonis Haslem, for his extensive contributions to the organization). I think Wall Street should also retire his jersey.

[@ernestmwape]

These are people that need to be celebrated a lot more, not only during February the Black History Month

[@judithhowell1214]

Just an awesome inspiration to any one of any age & in any situation! Because, as "Anonymous" once said; "When your past tried to dominate your thoughts, let your dreams ignite your day!" &, I humbly add; and, Let your purpose direct your actions!"

[@rattytatty842]

An excellent story.

[@jbelle4979]

Absolutely outstanding!👍🏻

[@robertpennington9808]

That’s how you That’s how you do it!

[@roberthall6161]

I saw him play in the NBA.

[@brightntuliart]

so inspiring

[@Timeculture]

Even if this man was on 50k a year, he’d still be worth hundreds of millions today. His business acumen is unparalleled

[@dxwallace55]

There are many success stories of Black Athletes out there like Jamal Mashburn of Kentucky. Instead, the media wants to report on Kyrie Irving's tweets.

[@stresskiller1482]

Sheesh, from the thumbnail I thought this was going to be a video about Eddie Murphy.

[@TheeKingRayzor]

😂 You wrong for that!

[@cleanhd]

I Dave Bing is another former NBA player that thrived after he retired from the NBA

[@AlaskaSnowQueen]

Brilliant man

[@Dweeble233]

Nice!!!!

[@stanleygarcia3526]

The 1921 Tulsa Massacre prevented this from growing nationwide at that time.

[@jamesevans538]

Blessed

[@japinoybettajapan]

Wow ❤

[@dannycorsaro546]

This is why you finish college,everyone tells the kids that they need to go get their money! Unfortunately most don’t even make it or people play them out of their Rich’s!

[@rmuzic6531]

I would say he's the most successful NBA player to get into business...I think Kobe was on his way...but it kinda makes you shake your head about MJ whose net worth is over 1.7 billion...and even tho LBJ is technically a billionaire I think he will drop after he stops playing...he won't have his salary and the endorsements will dwindle because he's really not that likable as guys like Curry, MJ, Shaq and Barkley... businesses will soon start seeing that and realize that they're losing money...NOW if can become a second coming of a Tyler Perry with his own studio and etc that will push him up further...but I think it's fools gold right now

[@ketchuploverful]

PANCAKE JUMPER

[@tambakongoh]

ADMIRABLE

[@RJMoss-mv3xr]

Awesome story........You want find a story like this on Vlad TV and other.

[@KC-fs2ch]

Wow! Just think about that 🤔 . A career six man in 1975 made $350,000yr., now in 2023 (48yrs later) Top-tier WNBA player Britney Grinder just signed a 1yr contract for $165,000. What's wrong with that picture???

[@poundtrader1414]

nothing

[@felipenunez2058]

Wnba loses money every year.

[@krugcpa]

Well, the NBA makes a lot of money, while the WNBA loses significant money and is subsidized by the NBA.

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

You're not truly doing these Young People any favors...... Back in 1986, $350,000 is 2023's $955,000 (adjust for inflation/ because they never will). These Guys, like my Father that attended a Big10 School on a Sports Scholarship were COLLEGE EDUCATED. When Bridgeman (David Bing and Microwave Johnson--also Entreprenuer Multi-Millionaires) were coming in the league it was still commonplace for Guys to have other Gigs. Bridgeman had a NICE GAME. I don't know him but I saw him play a lot! Those 80's Bucks Teams with Moncrief, Lanier and Marques Johnson were NO JOKE! Bridgeman was the 2nd leading scorer among those guys for short period of time. "Thinking" that being the 28+ ppg Guy or your nothing makes you the least knowledgeable kind of Basketball Fan.

[@erickthefantabulous1]

Bucks fan, hear thanks for the info. I knew JB owned Wendy's, but all this other stuff. I knew nothing about h*** of a businessman, one of my favorite childhood players for the buck's six man extraordinaire Junior bridgman. With his number 2# jersey in the rafters at Fiserv

[@TheManFromKansas]

3:19, Wendy's burgers look nowhere near like that,lol

[@douchebag384]

lol it's "magnate," not "magnet, unless he got stuck to the court

[@ladymiss9466]

stories like this make me feel like a loser

[@mr.haneef22]

Exactly why no athlete today should end up broke after making the kinds of salaries they make today. The don't take heed to what the financial planners tell them and instead would rather look good in meaningless shit that doesn't matter like cars, jewelry, etc. Not to mention the 10 kids they'll have by the time their career is over.