Former Milwaukee Bucks player Junior Bridgeman has purchased a 10% stake in the team, joining the ownership group that includes Jimmy Haslam, Wes Edens, and others. Bridgeman, who played 711 games for the Bucks and had his jersey retired in 1988, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to be involved with the team in a new way. Bridgeman’s successful career both on and off the court, as well as his longstanding connections to Milwaukee, made him an attractive addition to the ownership group. His involvement is seen as a positive move for the organization by co-owner Jimmy Haslam.
Bridgeman’s ties to Milwaukee date back to the 1970s when he was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Bucks as part of a trade for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. After retiring as a player, Bridgeman went on to become a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating numerous restaurants under Bridgeman Foods and holding independent bottling rights for Coca-Cola. His family also owns Ebony and Jet magazines. Bridgeman’s success in business and his personal connection to the team made him a desirable candidate for NBA teams looking to add new stakeholders.
The Bucks’ ownership group, which also previously included Marc Lasry and Mike Fascitelli, has undergone changes in recent years, with Haslam acquiring Lasry’s stake in the team last year. Bridgeman’s purchase of shares from smaller stakeholders further solidifies his role as a partner in the organization. The move is part of a trend in the NBA where former players with successful post-playing careers are being sought after as team owners. Bridgeman hopes to use his position to provide guidance and advice to current players on life after basketball.
Having previously considered purchasing the Bucks when former owner Herb Kohl put the team up for sale a decade ago, Bridgeman now feels that the timing is right for him to be involved with the organization. He believes that his experience as a player and businessman can be valuable in shaping the future of the team. Bridgeman’s long-standing connection to the Bucks, both as a player and now as an owner, reflects the sense of family and unity within the organization. His goal is to help players make the right decisions and avoid potential pitfalls as they navigate their careers and prepare for life after basketball.
The Bucks have been under new ownership since 2014 when Edens and Lasry purchased the team from Kohl with a commitment to keep the team in Milwaukee. Haslam’s recent acquisition of a stake in the team and Bridgeman’s involvement further solidify the organization’s commitment to the city. As a 10% owner, Bridgeman hopes to contribute to the team’s success on and off the court, providing valuable insights and guidance based on his own experiences. His investment in the Bucks represents a full-circle moment for the former player, who now has the opportunity to influence the team’s future in a meaningful way.
Bridgeman’s ownership stake in the Bucks not only reflects his personal connection to the team but also signifies a new chapter in his career as an entrepreneur and sports figure. His involvement in the organization signals a positive development for the Bucks and could potentially pave the way for other former players to become owners in the future. Bridgeman’s success story serves as an inspiration to current players, illustrating the possibilities that exist beyond the court. As the NBA continues to evolve, partnerships like Bridgeman’s with the Bucks highlight the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in shaping the future of the league.
