Amidst being a mother, grandmother, teacher and former athlete, Evelyn Magley has made history by becoming the first African-American woman to own a professional sports league. But, who is Evelyn Magley and what league does she own?

Evelyn hails from Kansas City, Kansas. Early on, she developed a knack for community involvement. As a teen, she frequently held a neighborhood choir of children and adults of around 50 people. She would play the piano as her entire neighborhood gathered to witness her melodious voice.

During her fundamental years of schooling, she remained involved in athletics and music. But, it was her talents as a track athlete that afforded her the opportunity to attend the University of Kansas on a track scholarship. Unfortunately, she found out she had sickle cell traits, sidelining her from participating in running track. Thus, she dug deeper and focused on a Music Education degree and decided to get a second degree in Music Therapy.

During her time in college, she spent every summer working at the Panhandle Eastern Pipeline in the Accounting department. She also interned at the Rainbow Mental Health Facility in Kansas City. She worked with abused children, using music therapy as a tool to teach life skills and heal emotional and psychological wounds.

After some time, she met David Magley, who was equipped with quite the athletic resume. He played basketball for the University of Kansas, was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and at one point in his career, played under legendary NBA coach, Phil Jackson. Eventually, the pair married and Evelyn learned how the game was taught by observing the interaction of the players.

After a career in basketball, they began raising a family and moved to Bradenton, Florida. Evelyn became a music teacher and David the head basketball coach at Bradenton Christian School. Evelyn was the first African-American teacher at this school, the first paradigm broken in her career. When she arrived, the program had a total of nine students involved in the secondary music program which was confined to a trailer outside of the school. Thirteen years later, over 90 percent of the student body was involved, and the pro- gram had become a multi-million-dollar function.

Afterwards, the two moved to Canada, where David began his professional coaching career with the Brampton A’s of the NBL Canada while Evelyn became the Community at Heart Outreach Director. It is here where Evelyn and David came up with the idea of a basketball league that serves the community. Two years later David became the Commissioner of the National Basketball League of Canada. He remained there until, he and Evelyn decided to officially establish their own professional league. While brainstorming names for the league the Magley’s daughter, Jennifer made a suggestion to, “keep things simple.” Thus, TBL was birthed.

What is TBL?

The Basketball League (TBL) is a new professional basketball league with 11 teams in the United States that will make its debut in the 2019 season. TBL’s motto is, “Where the Spirit of the Game Lives.” The league has a passion for helping the communities in which the teams are located and focuses on the development of its players.

The Basketball League aims to offer both players and communities something different. Evelyn said, “The Basketball League is about much more than just basketball, the primary driver is serving our communities.” Evelyn further discussed the importance of a prospective athlete’s character plays in their success in the league. She stated, “We will be sending these young men into schools, community events, etc. We don’t want to sign players who just show up to practice, play their games and cash their check. It’s about acting as a role model for the next generation; being a positive influence in the community.”

As a different league, TBL intends to differentiate itself through community involvement and creativity. A few of those differentials include: players reading to younger children, hosting basketball camps for teens and speaking in school-wide assemblies about substance abuse, anti-bullying and staying in school. The league looks to encourage a family-friendly environment at their games with many games taking place inside local schools, frequent family event nights and the “Hope Zone”. The Hope Zone is an area in each TBL arena where children with serious or terminal illnesses, invite friends and family for an evening of entertainment and fun. TBL will also serve as a more financially feasible option for families looking to spend time together on a budget. Families will be able to attend a professional basketball game, get snacks and drinks all for the price of one NBA ticket. TBL’s philosophy reaches beyond its teams and communities, as the way players are treated plays a big role in the success of the league. “The talent pool for professional basketball is practically limitless,” says President David Magley.

He continued, “We have thousands of guys chomping at the bit to earn their spot on a roster and we want to reward them for their hard work. Of course, we pay them, but we want to prepare them for the next step. We provide our athletes with training on how to manage their finances, offer advice on how to develop their character and show them the importance of service. If they end up getting an offer to play for a league that can pay them better, then we will wish them the best and release them from their contract.”

Tentatively, the league is planning to develop a total of 60 teams by the 2025 season. As Evelyn continues to trail-blaze her own path, a different league for basketball and professional sports, is certainly on the horizon.

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

Scroll to Top
Search