History of Junior Bridgeman in Timeline

Ulysses Lee "Junior" Bridgeman is a former NBA player and current owner of Ebony and Jet magazines. He played professional basketball for 12 years, beginning his career with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1975. Despite earning a relatively modest salary during his NBA career, Bridgeman transitioned into business, achieving significant financial success. His current net worth exceeds $600 million, making him one of the wealthiest retired athletes. Bridgeman's success story highlights his post-basketball career accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 17, 1953: Ulysses Lee "Junior" Bridgeman Born

On September 17, 1953, Ulysses Lee "Junior" Bridgeman was born. He later became a professional basketball player and successful businessman.

Others born on this day/year

1971: Won State Championship

In 1971, Bridgeman's Washington High School basketball team went undefeated (29-0) and won the Indiana state high school basketball championship.

1974: Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year

In 1974, Junior Bridgeman was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. He also led the Louisville Cardinals to the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament.

June 16, 1975: Traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

On June 16, 1975, Junior Bridgeman was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks from the Los Angeles Lakers in a landmark deal that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers.

1975: Started NBA Career

In 1975, Junior Bridgeman began his 12-year NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

1975: Started Rookie Season with Milwaukee

In 1975, Junior Bridgeman began his rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks.

1975: Started with Milwaukee Bucks

In 1975, Junior Bridgeman began playing with the Milwaukee Bucks.

1975: Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year & Final Four Appearance

In 1975, Junior Bridgeman was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year for the second time. He also led the Louisville Cardinals to the Final Four of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament.

December 15, 1976: Career-High Scoring Game

On December 15, 1976, Junior Bridgeman scored a career-high 41 points in a game against the Boston Celtics.

1977: Improved Performance After Coaching Change

In 1977, Junior Bridgeman improved his performance, averaging 14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, after Don Nelson was hired as coach.

1980: Won Division Title

In 1980, Junior Bridgeman and the Milwaukee Bucks won a division title.

April 5, 1981: Career Playoff High

On April 5, 1981, Junior Bridgeman scored a career playoff-high 32 points in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

1981: Won Division Title

In 1981, Junior Bridgeman and the Milwaukee Bucks won a division title.

1982: Won Division Title

In 1982, Junior Bridgeman and the Milwaukee Bucks won a division title.

1982: NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award

In 1982, Some believe that if the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award had existed before the 1982–83 season, Bridgeman might have won it multiple times.

1983: Decreased Players' Share of Gross Revenue

In 1983, Junior Bridgeman addressed the controversy of the Junior Bridgeman antitrust lawsuit, in which NBA players sued the NBA for violation of antitrust laws.

1983: Won Division Title

In 1983, Junior Bridgeman and the Milwaukee Bucks won a division title.

September 29, 1984: Traded to Los Angeles Clippers

On September 29, 1984, Junior Bridgeman was traded by the Bucks to the Los Angeles Clippers.

1984: Won Division Title

In 1984, Junior Bridgeman and the Milwaukee Bucks won a division title.

1984: Started with Los Angeles Clippers

In 1984, Junior Bridgeman started playing with the Los Angeles Clippers.

January 29, 1985: Scored 30 points in Loss

On January 29, 1985, Junior Bridgeman scored 30 points in a loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.

1985: President of NBPA

In 1985, Junior Bridgeman became the president of the National Basketball Players Association.

1986: Continues career with the Los Angeles Clippers

In 1986, Junior Bridgeman was playing with the Los Angeles Clippers.

1987: Ended NBA Career

In 1987, Junior Bridgeman concluded his 12-year NBA career.

1987: Ended career with the Milwaukee Bucks

In 1987, Junior Bridgeman ended his career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

1987: Retired from NBA

In 1987, Junior Bridgeman retired from the NBA after playing one season back with the Milwaukee Bucks.

1988: Resigned from NBPA

In 1988, Junior Bridgeman resigned from his position as the president of the National Basketball Players Association.

2008: Appointed to PGA Board of Directors

In 2008, Junior Bridgeman was appointed to serve on the PGA Board of Directors.

2010: Appointed to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Board

In 2010, Junior Bridgeman was appointed to the board of governors of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

2012: Appointed to Churchill Downs Board of Directors

In 2012, Junior Bridgeman was appointed to the company's board of directors in Churchill Downs Inc.

2016: Ranked Wealthiest Retired Athlete

In 2016, Forbes ranked Junior Bridgeman as the fourth-wealthiest retired athlete in the world.

2016: Sold Restaurant Franchises

In 2016, Junior Bridgeman sold his Wendy's and Chili's restaurant franchises.

2016: Appointed to University of Louisville Board of Trustees

In 2016, Junior Bridgeman was appointed to and served on the University of Louisville Board of Trustees.

2017: Appointed to University of Louisville Board of Trustees

In 2017, Junior Bridgeman was appointed to and served on the University of Louisville Board of Trustees.

2017: Coca-Cola Bottler

In 2017, Junior Bridgeman, as President and CEO of Bridgeman Foods Inc, became a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company.

2018: Letter of Intent to Buy Bottling Operations in Canada

In 2018, Junior Bridgeman signed a letter of intent to buy bottling operations in Canada.

December 2020: Bought Ebony and Jet Magazines

In December 2020, Junior Bridgeman, via Bridgeman Sports and Media, bought Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million.

2021: Bucks' NBA Finals Appearance

In 2021, Junior Bridgeman reflected on the Bucks' appearance in the NBA Finals and his own teams' previous Eastern Conference Finals losses.

May 26, 2022: Partnership to Construct Aluminum Mill

On May 26, 2022, Manna Capital Partners, cofounded by Junior Bridgeman, partnered with Ball Corporation to construct and operate an aluminum mill in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

October 18, 2022: Investment in Bottling Facility

On October 18, 2022, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that Manna Capital Partners would invest in a bottling facility to be located in Hope Hull, Alabama.