A former Bucks star turned billionaire entrepreneur, Bridgeman had recently become a key figure in the franchise’s ownership group, marking a historic full-circle moment in his incredible journey. Fans were excited—one of Milwaukee’s most beloved players was now helping lead the team from the top. It felt like the perfect story.

But now, with his sudden passing, there are a lot of questions. How does this impact the Bucks’ ownership? What did Bridgeman’s stake really mean for the team’s future? Let’s take a closer look at how the franchise is structured and where Bridgeman fits into this ever-evolving picture.

Who Are the Majority and Minority Owners of the Milwaukee Bucks? What Was Junior Bridgeman’s Share?

The Milwaukee Bucks have three primary stakeholders—Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Wes Edens, and Jamie Dinan. Each of these ownership groups controls about 25% of the franchise, with the remaining share spread across minority investors. This setup has been mostly stable since Marc Lasry sold his 25% stake to the Haslams in April 2023, a deal that valued the Bucks at approximately $3.2 billion.

Then came Bridgeman, and his involvement was anything but typical. According to CNBC, he secured his minority stake at a “preferred limited partner discount” of 15%, which put the team’s valuation at $3.4 billion when he joined. His deal was historic—it was the first NBA ownership transaction since the league landed its massive 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal with Disney, ESPN, Comcast, and Amazon.

But for Bridgeman, this wasn’t just a financial investment. It was personal. It was a homecoming. If you know Bucks history, you know why.

Bridgeman first landed in Milwaukee in 1975, part of the blockbuster Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trade. He played nine seasons with the Bucks before a brief stint with the Clippers, only to return to Milwaukee before retiring in 1987. Now, decades later, he wasn’t just a former player—he was part of the team’s ownership. His journey from sixth man to billionaire businessman to franchise stakeholder was nothing short of extraordinary.

When Did Junior Bridgeman Purchase His Ownership Stake in the Milwaukee Bucks?

On September 26, 2024, Junior Bridgeman officially became a key minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. The announcement happened at the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Science Center, where he stood alongside Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam to break the news.

The Bucks’ ownership group—Wes Edens, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Jamie Dinan, and Mike Fascitelli—welcomed him with open arms. “It is a momentous occasion for our organization and the city of Milwaukee to welcome Junior Bridgeman to the Bucks’ ownership group,” they said. And it truly felt like that.

For Bridgeman, this wasn’t just another business venture. It was a dream come true. “I hope that my life journey serves as an inspiration to current and future players who dream of joining an NBA ownership group,” he said. His role wasn’t just about investing money—it was about representation, mentorship, and legacy.

But now, his unexpected passing raises big questions. What happens to his ownership stake? NBA franchise transitions can be complicated, and given how deeply involved Bridgeman was in both business and basketball, his estate or business partners will likely decide the next steps.

One thing is certain, though—his impact on the Milwaukee Bucks is permanent.

From his days on the court to his billionaire success, to finally owning a piece of the franchise he once played for, Bridgeman’s journey was legendary. Even though he’s gone, his influence on the Bucks will live on for years to come.