Athlete franchisee tips off rookie season

Earlier this month, Chauncey Billups retired from the National Basketball Association after 17 pro seasons, meaning his next rookie season is about to begin: his first year as a full-time restaurant franchisee. The former NBA Finals MVP planned for his life after professional basketball by partnering last year with Junior Bridgeman, another NBA veteran who has gone on to be one of the most successful franchisees from the ranks of former pro athletes. Bridgeman and Billups’ joint venture, BB St. Louis LLC, acquired 30 Wendy’s locations in the St. Louis area for an undisclosed amount. “Chauncey Billups and I are excited about our partnership in the Wendy’s system,” Bridgeman said in a statement at the time of the deal. “We have a tremendous opportunity in the St. Louis market, and our goal is to build upon the positive momentum and growth that the Wendy’s brand is currently experiencing.” In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Billups said his ownership of the Wendy’s stores was one of several interests he would pursue, including a private school in Denver he has endowed and opportunities for coaching or broadcasting in the future. But not every professional athlete prepares for retirement as well as Billups, Bridgeman and others. An oft-cited report from Sports Illustrated estimated that more than half of NBA and National Football League players go broke or nearly broke only a few years after their playing careers end. But for many highly compensated athletes, franchising has come to represent an investment vehicle that grows over time and produces an income during the decades after they can no longer play professionally. This week, 1851 Magazine plans to look at some of the biggest success stories of athletes in franchising, from the multiunit and multibrand titans like Bridgeman and Jamal Mashburn, to the active players like Peyton Manning and Drew Brees who lend not only their money to helping brands grow, but their star power as well in marketing and public relations. From relative rookies like Billups to proven performers like Magic Johnson, professional athletes are providing a deep bench of talent for franchise brands looking to grow.