Junior Bridgeman becomes minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Bucks announced Thursday that former Bucks player Junior Bridgeman has become a minority owner of the team. Bridgeman played in 711 games for Milwaukee.

“It is a momentous occasion for our organization and the city of Milwaukee to welcome Junior Bridgeman to the Bucks ownership group,” said Bucks co-owners Wes Edens, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Jamie Dinan and Mike Fascitelli.

Bridgeman's No. 2 jersey was retired by the Bucks in 1988. It currently hangs in the rafters of the Fiserv Forum. Bridgeman helped the Bucks reach the postseason in eight of his 10 seasons with the franchise and is among the team's records for games played (3rd, 711), field goals made (7th, 4,142), points (9th, 9,892) and minutes played (10th, 18,054).

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After retiring from the NBA, Bridgeman began investing in restaurants and eventually became owner and CEO of Bridgeman Foods, which operated more than 450 Wendy's and Chili's restaurants in 20 states by 2016.

In 2017, Bridgeman Foods acquired Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC, making Bridgeman an independent bottler for Coca-Cola.

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Bridgeman Statement:

“I am thrilled to return to the Bucks, where I spent the majority of my NBA career, and join their world-class ownership group. I want to thank Dee and Jimmy, Wes, Jamie and Mike for their friendship and support in returning to Milwaukee. I hope my life's journey serves as an inspiration to current and future players who dream of joining an NBA ownership group. I look forward to cheering on the Bucks this season alongside our amazing fans.”