Former Milwaukee Bucks player Junior Bridgeman is set to purchase a 10% stake in his former team. This transaction values the Bucks at an impressive $4 billion.
Junior Bridgeman, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks for a decade, is no stranger to the franchise. Bridgeman’s career with the Bucks began in 1975 when he was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar deal. Over his 10 seasons with the Bucks, Bridgeman became a fan favorite and had his No. 2 jersey retired by the team.
The deal, which is expected to be finalized soon, will see Bridgeman acquiring the stake at a 15% preferred limited partner discount, effectively valuing his purchase at $3.4 billion. This discount is a testament to Bridgeman’s longstanding relationship with the team and his contributions both on and off the court.
Since retiring from professional basketball, Bridgeman has built a successful business empire. He owns Ebony and Jet magazines and has amassed a net worth of over $600 million through ventures in fast food chains like Wendy’s and Chili’s, as well as a Coca-Cola bottling distribution. His business acumen and deep ties to the Milwaukee community make him a valuable addition to the Bucks’ ownership group.
The Milwaukee Bucks, currently owned by Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Wes Edens, and Jamie Dinan, have seen their value soar in recent years. The team’s valuation has increased from $3.2 billion in April 2023 to $4 billion with this latest transaction. This growth reflects the team’s success on the court, including their 2021 NBA Championship, and their strategic investments off the court.
