Charles Barkley Confirms Wish to Execute Junior Bridgeman Project Months After $1.4 Billion NBA Legend’s Death

“One of the most genius things I’ve ever heard from a businessman,…” Charles Barkley said about Junior Bridgeman in his interview with Shannon Sharpe. He alluded that the two weren’t close, but he had always appreciated the basketball legend and found him awe-inspiring. The sudden passing of the former NBA player deeply saddened his friends, as well as those who simply admired him. Despite never earning more than $350,000, Bridgeman built a massive business empire worth $1.4 billion! And he did it at a time when this wasn’t considered possible, especially after facing the losses that Bridgeman endured. His first Wendy’s partnership didn’t work out. However, his perseverance saw him own a fast-food empire that included more than 500 Wendy’s. No wonder Chuck wants a big project on him.

The former NBA player owned Chili’s and Pizza Hut franchises and more in 2015. However, he sold most of them the following year. In 2018, he also acquired Coca-Cola’s bottling business. This smart move helped him amass a jaw-dropping amount as his income tripled and approached $1 billion by 2023. He was business savvy and quite incredible when it came to these subtle elements about making money. That is what Chuck wants to bring to the screen.

He wants to bring Bridgeman’s story into the limelight. He is already quite famous! Back in October 2024, Chuck had announced the launch of Round Mound Media. It was in a partnership with EverWonder Studio, backed by Jeff Zucker’s RedBird IMI. Through his production company, Sir Charles wants to tell Bridgeman’s struggles and successes in a special documentary.

“I was talking to my agent. I’d probably like to meet Junior’s manager because I want to do a documentary, my production company I would love to do a documentary on his life because I think it was so amazing, and I would love for the young kids to get a chance to know about him. This guy was so amazing,” Chuck said during his conversation with Dan Dakich. The Philadelphia 76ers legend went on to share a few more stories about how the NBA legend created his business. 

Apr 6, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charles Barkley reacts in the second half in the semifinals of the 2019 men’s Final Four between the Virginia Cavaliers and Auburn Tigers at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Considering his deep admiration for the NBA player and his urge to learn more about his business skills, it’s possible he may convince the other party to join. Bridgeman is indeed a legend in business. During his appearance at the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, he reportedly suffered a heart attack and tragically passed away. But after all these years, his impact is still visible among the current generation.

Junior Bridgeman’s creative and persevering efforts are similar to NFL players’ new initiative

Just recently, an NFL player’s business deal and work received massive attention from fans. NFL player Xavier Woods earns about $5 million per year from his deal with the new Tennessee Titans. However, as per the Daily Mail, the player also works closely at a smoothie store. He is learning smoothie blending as well as the management system. So, if Woods ever decides to take on an ownership role in any business, he will be well prepared.

And well, this is nothing new. Bridgeman did it years ago. He was one of the first to do so. After the former NBA player’s Wendy’s franchise didn’t work out, he decided to take up Wendy’s training program and spent months learning the business. He studied the brand and how it worked.

After he was well prepared, the former NBA player decided to invest his remaining NBA savings of $750,000 to start five Wendy’s locations in Milwaukee. It was the year 1988. Even then, it wasn’t easy. That’s when he began training the staff and teaching them what he had learned. He tried to make his business more inclusive.

And it worked. He went on to add more franchises in the city, as well as in Louisville, Nashville, Tennessee, and Florida. This is how he created his business empire worth billions, and as Chuck said, it is worth knowing his story!

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