Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman: From NBA Sixth Man to Business Mogul
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Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, a former NBA player who spent most of his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, has transitioned from the basketball court to the boardroom, amassing a fortune estimated at $600 million.
Bridgeman, who also played for the Los Angeles Clippers before ending his NBA journey with the Bucks, was known not just for his skill as a sixth man but also for his sharp business acumen.
Bridgeman’s venture into business began while he was still playing basketball. An initial investment opportunity came his way when Jim Fitzgerald, then-owner of the Bucks, offered players a chance to invest in a cable television operation.
With a $150,000 investment, Bridgeman laid the groundwork for his future in business, reaping a $700,000 return when Fitzgerald sold the company five years later.
Post-NBA, Bridgeman expanded his horizons into the restaurant industry, acquiring several Wendy’s franchises that proved to be profitable. He also became a proactive advocate for financial literacy among athletes through a program with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), aiming to prevent the financial pitfalls that ensnare many professional players.
As CEO of Manna Inc., Bridgeman oversees a vast empire of quick-service restaurants and holds a significant position in the business world. His achievements include a stint as CEO of a Coca-Cola bottling company and part-owner of Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited. His business success even landed him a spot on Forbes’ list of top-paid athletes in 2016.
Bridgeman’s business ventures extend beyond restaurants; he briefly attempted to purchase Sports Illustrated in 2018, although he withdrew his bid the following year. In 2020, his company, Bridgeman Sports and Media, acquired the assets of Ebony Media for $14 million, further diversifying his portfolio.
His commitment to building generational wealth is evident in his family’s involvement in his businesses. His daughter, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, formerly the chief marketing officer of Manna Inc., now leads Ebony and Jet’s parent company, 1145 Holdings, LLC, as CEO and owner.
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