GLOBAL sports stars can turn their popularity into powerful brands.
People like Michael Jordan, David Beckham, and Arnold Palmer have built formidable portfolios based on their success.
two
Forbes ranked them as the highest-paid retired athletes in the world in 2016.
But the fourth name on the list was relatively unknown.
Junior Bridgeman’s highest annual NBA salary was $350,000, but he created an empire worth $600 million.
This puts you above people like Carlos Barkley ($60 million) Shaquille O’Neal ($400 million), Kevin Durant ($300 million) and Steph Curry ($180 million).
The former Milwaukee Bucks star was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the eighth pick in 1975 and was soon traded to the franchise with which he made his name.
He played 6ft 5in NBA seasons, averaging 13.6 and 3.5 rebounds in 849 career games.
In 1987, the striker retired after earning just over $4 million
Bridgeman, who had his number 2 jersey retired by the Bucks, bought a Wendy’s and increased his portfolio to 160 franchises
He founded Bridgeman Foods, Inc., which operates Chili’s, Fazoli’s and Blaze Pizza restaurants.
After selling his company, the businessman became the owner of Ebony and Jet magazines, after saving them from bankruptcy.
“Ebony represented black excellence, showing people doing positive things that could benefit everyone,” Bridgeman said.
“You felt good knowing that’s where they publish all the stories in the magazine.”
The former hooper now operates Bridgeman Sports and Media and is now co-founder of investment firm Manna Capital Partners.
His philosophy is simple.
“There will always be more than enough people to tell you what you can’t do,” he said Business in Arkansas.
Inside the future of the NBA?
The operation of the NBA on TNT Sports is in great doubt due to the NBA’s broadcast agreements.
The Emmy-winning sports show is a fan favorite thanks to the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.
But TNT’s broadcast deal with the NBA ends after next season and NBC appears poised to take over those rights in a $2.6 billion deal.
If TNT loses its NBA package, it will raise serious questions about the popular Inside the NBA.
One solution could be to recreate the show on another network, which would snatch the rights from the NBA.
“I think you have to listen to all of them, but don’t make them the true compass of what you’re trying to do and the true compass of your life.
“You have to look within yourself and determine, ‘Is this something I’m really dedicated to doing and want to see happen?’
“And if it is, give it your all to achieve your goal.”
Curry gave fans a sneak peek into his potential post-basketball career.
The 36-year-old Golden State Warriors star filed two new trademarks on May 23.
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben claims Curry potentially “plans to name a sports arena.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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