In a world where professional sports often prioritize profit over people, Evelyn Magley is crafting a different narrative. As the first woman to own a men’s professional sports league, Magley is breaking barriers and building bridges between talent and purpose, community and opportunity.
“It is a God-given vision
Magley
describing the origins of The Basketball League (TBL). “It’s not something I aspired to on my own. It came at a time when I was in pain, and I realized I could use the game of basketball to show love to the community.”
Magley’s approach to the league is unlike anything else in the professional sports ecosystem. With 35 teams across the United States and Canada, TBL operates alongside its sister initiative, the Basketball Super League (BSL), which launched in 2023 and now includes eight teams. Together, they offer athletes more than a shot at stardom they offer a chance to be seen, supported, and developed as whole.
A Platform for Purpose
Magley is crystal clear about the league’s purpose:
We show love to the community by recognizing that everyone has purpose
Magley
Whether it’s players, dancers, statisticians, or concession staff, every individual involved with the league is considered an integral part of a greater mission.
“Our players are paid professionals, and though they may not earn NBA salaries, they are gaining something just as valuable visibility, development, and a pathway forward,” Magley explains. TBL functions as a high-level showcase where athletes can earn their stats, get footage, and gain attention from international leagues, the NBA G League, or even the NBA itself.
So what differentiates TBL from the NBA or G League? Magley breaks it down: “We’re a pro league too. Our players get paid, but more than the paycheck, it’s the platform that matters.”
“After college, many athletes don’t have a place to continue developing at a high level. We fill that gap,” she says. “We’re giving players the stats and footage they need to be seen which is the path to opening more doors.”
What truly amplifies the league’s impact is its powerful digital footprint. “We’re currently seen in over 45 countries through our livestream broadcasts,” says Magley. “And we’re featured on Sports Network, which has over 50 million viewers.” The league has also become the second highest-rated show on beIN Sports in the Middle East and North Africa, a testament to its growing international appeal.
This level of exposure not only boosts opportunities for players to be scouted globally, but it also puts local communities on the world stage. “Each team becomes an ambassador for its city. It’s a chance for communities to tell their story to the world.”
For Magley, basketball is just the beginning. “We see these men as more than just players,” she emphasizes. TBL offers life skills training, mental health support through chaplains, and financial literacy programs, equipping players with the tools to build sustainable careers and legacies. The focus is on whole-person development.
“These chaplains aren’t necessarily religious leaders—they can be counselors, psychologists, or mentors. It’s a safe space,” she says. “Because if a player doesn’t have a place to express what they’re going through, it’s going to show up on the court.”
Business and Mission, Hand in Hand
While her mission is deeply rooted in service, Magley is adamant that impact must be paired with smart business. “Our mission is business,” she declares. “If we don’t understand how to operate in this system, if we can’t run a business, we can’t fulfill our mission.”
Her call to action is clear: more investors, more partners, more champions of this community-forward model. “We need financial support to scale and reach more communities. That’s the next step.”
In a male-dominated industry, Magley has encountered her share of challenges, but she doesn’t dwell on resistance. “I’ve been in male-dominated spaces my whole life,” she says. “The hardest part is having your voice acknowledged. I can say, ‘the sky is blue,’ and no one reacts. A man comes in and says the same thing, and suddenly, it’s gospel.”
Still, she remains optimistic and strategic. Magley’s quiet power is noticeable in her reframing: “I don’t see myself as a disruption; I’m an enhancement,” she insists. “I bring a different perspective that makes the whole stronger. When people understand that, the walls come down.”
Magley’s journey to sports leadership wasn’t linear. A former music teacher and classically trained violinist, she draws strong parallels between her past and present. “Both require discipline, consistency, and heart,” she says. “The transition from music to sports wasn’t difficult. You need the same traits to succeed.”
It’s no surprise that Magley grounds her work in faith. Her favorite book? “The Word of God. I read it every day it teaches me how to live.” Her walk-up song? “Strength” by John P. Kee, a gospel anthem that fuels her purpose and perseverance.
When reflecting on the most rewarding part, without hesitation, Magley says it’s seeing communities come alive. “People cry, saying ‘thank you’ for bringing a team to their town. Families are creating memories together. People from all walks of life are finding purpose through this platform.”
Whether it’s the dancers, security staff, or young players getting their first taste of professional basketball, Magley beams with pride.
They’re doing something they love—and building something meaningful.
Magley
With heart, vision, and a business-savvy strategy, Evelyn Magley is proving that basketball can be more than a game. It can be a vehicle for healing, growth, and lasting impact one community at a time.
