Imagine having a net worth of $600 million in 2024. Now, picture that number more than doubling to a staggering $1.4 billion. That’s exactly what happened for one former NBA star, making him just the fourth player—active or retired—to join the league’s exclusive billionaire club. No wonder Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas called it “Legendary.” But he wasn’t the only one impressed. LeBron James also took a moment to acknowledge the remarkable journey.

“He didn’t waste his time just thinking about the game of basketball,” LeBron told Forbes. Meanwhile, Thomas didn’t hold back either, calling him “the real success story. A pioneer and a great businessman.”

So who are we talking about? None other than Junior Bridgeman. Forbes now estimates his net worth at $1.4 billion, placing him in elite company alongside Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron himself. MJ leads the pack with an incredible $3.5 billion, Johnson follows at $1.6 billion, and LeBron rounds out the group with $1.2 billion.

Interestingly, Bridgeman never made more than $350,000 in a single season, totaling roughly $2.95 million in career earnings. But post-retirement, he flipped the script. Through Bridgeman Foods, he built a restaurant empire, once owning over 450 franchises. One of his biggest moves? Investing heavily in Wendy’s, a decision that proved to be a game-changer.

Not stopping there, Bridgeman has also made his way back to the NBA—this time as an owner. In September 2024, he purchased a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, the franchise where he spent nearly his entire playing career. With the team now valued at $4 billion, he’s not just a former player; he’s a powerhouse businessman. So how did he pull it all off?

Junior Bridgeman’s billionaire blueprint

Junior Bridgeman’s journey to billionaire status wasn’t exactly a slam dunk. In fact, his first attempt at the fast-food business cost him $150,000. Teaming up with former NBA forward Paul Silas, he bought a Wendy’s franchise—only to watch it struggle. But instead of cutting his losses, Bridgeman went all in. He studied the business, visited multiple locations, and learned every detail firsthand. Then, with his entire NBA savings of $750,000, he made a bold move—buying five Wendy’s locations in Milwaukee.

Soon enough, that gamble paid off. Within just two years, each of his Wendy’s spots was raking in $2 million. With a winning strategy in place, he expanded aggressively, adding more restaurants to his portfolio. But he didn’t stop at burgers and fries. Seeing another golden opportunity, he entered the beverage industry as a Coca-Cola bottler, expanding across multiple states and even into Canada.

Bridgeman’s disciplined approach didn’t just make him wealthy—it brought him back to the NBA in a whole new role. With his growing fortune, he secured a stake in his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks. Yet, his impact went beyond personal success. As NBPA president, he pushed for financial education programs, determined to help players avoid the all-too-common fate of going broke after retirement.

Even today, Bridgeman stands firm on the importance of financial literacy for athletes. Despite modern players landing massive contracts, he insists that wealth isn’t just about making money—it’s about managing it wisely. His journey proves that, with smart investments, athletes can build lasting legacies long after their playing days are over.