• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Former NBA Player Buys Ebony Media

Playmaker

Former NBA forward Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman is the new owner of legacy Black media company Ebony after bidding $14 million for it in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

His company, Bridgeman Sports and Media, was announced as the successful bidder for Ebony Media’s assets by a Houston bankruptcy court in December.

With the purchase, Bridgeman becomes the latest athlete with ownership in a media company. 

  • Former MLB star Derek Jeter founded The Players’ Tribune in 2014. 
  • Spanish soccer player David Villa founded soccer content production company Designated Player in 2018.
  • LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry are among the handful of NBA players who have their own production companies.

Despite Ebony’s recent financial woes — it defaulted on more than $10 million in loans in July — Bridgeman believes he can return it to both profitability and a place of prominence in American culture with “the right ideas and the right execution.” The monthly lifestyle magazine launched in 1945. 

Bridgeman, 67, has flourished as a businessman since retiring in 1987. 

  • He once owned more than 240 restaurant franchises, making him the second-largest franchise owner in the U.S., employing 18,000 people.
  • He sold his restaurant interests and in 2017 launched Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co. 
  • He briefly owned a minority stake in the Sacramento Kings. 

In late 2018, Bridgeman and a group of investors were considered the leading contenders to buy Sports Illustrated from Meredith Corp., but dropped the efforts in early 2019 when now-owner Authentic Brands Group made a $110 million bid.

Bridgeman’s net worth is estimated to be around $600 million.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jonas

Jonas Valančiūnas Is Cryptic About Nuggets Standoff in Lithuania

The Nuggets expect Valančiūnas to honor his NBA contract. 
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg speaks to the media during a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility.

Cooper Flagg–Bronny James Summer League Tickets Average $201

The average purchase price on resale platform TickPick is $201.

Texas Sports Teams, Leagues Donate Over $5M to Flood Relief

NFL, MLB, and NBA teams in Texas donate to flood recovery efforts.

Featured Today

Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
Jul 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at PNC Park.

MLB ASG Missing Many Highly Paid Stars, Clearing Path for Youth

Many of MLB’s top earners are not part of the Midsummer Classic.
Dewanna Bonner
July 8, 2025

DeWanna Bonner Signs With Phoenix Mercury After Fever Saga

Bonner will rejoin the franchise where she won two titles.
Enzo Fernandez
July 8, 2025

Chelsea Players Hawk Club World Cup Tickets on Instagram As Prices Plunge

The semifinals are set for weekday afternoons in New Jersey.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 7, 2025

How Bradley Beal Buyout Would Save Suns $230M, and What’s Next

Beal has two years and $110 million remaining on his deal.
July 7, 2025

An FSU Amateur Golfer Beat the World’s Best—but Can’t Accept $79K Prize

Top-ranked amateur Lottie Woad won the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
July 6, 2025

WNBA All-Stars Will Earn $2,575 for Playing in Game

The WNBPA is in the midst of negotiations for a new CBA.
July 6, 2025

Unrivaled Co-Founders Deny Conflict of Interest With WNBPA Leadership

The WNBA and its union are negotiating a new CBA.