On the latest engaging installment of Converge, we’re thrilled to feature a return conversation with the visionary CEO of The Basketball League (TBL), Evelyn Magley. Jeff Williamson and Brian Prairie delve deep into both the impact of TBL on communities and the impressive expansion of the league under Evelyn’s leadership.

Evelyn Magley, an accomplished leader and former educator, is the driving force behind TBL. She has nurtured the league’s growth from 8 to 49 teams, even amidst the challenges of the pandemic. With her at the helm, TBL not only promotes the sport of basketball but also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and empowerment. Her experience in education and non-profit activities enriches the league’s mission to serve and uplift local areas, making her expertise invaluable to the conversation.

The talk traverses a series of compelling topics, from how kids prioritize attending games for the sheer joy and safe environment it provides to the league’s players’ heartfelt dedication to giving back to the community. Evelyn explains how the league’s diverse team ownership models have helped foster an unwavering sense of community pride and brought about revenue to support local economies.

In this episode get a closer look at the Basketball Super League’s introduction and its aim to present larger venues, paid players, and a broader fan base. Learn how TBL’s strategic organization of teams in “pods” reduces costs and nurtures a family-oriented, philanthropic culture, especially significant during the pandemic.

Explore the soul of leadership with Evelyn as she talks about the core principles of effective listening, self-acceptance, self-discovery, and the wealth of authenticity in work. These insights are particularly relevant to young people navigating societal pressures. The profound discussion extends to the league’s positive impact on crime rates during game nights and how the downtime during the pandemic led many to reevaluate their lives and engage in philanthropic actions.

Wrap up the episode with unforgettable leadership lessons, as Evelyn encourages involvement and support for The Basketball League. Plus, there’s a hint at some big future plans, with aspirations to bring this meaningful engagement to more communities across North America and beyond.

Don’t miss this conversation that seamlessly weaves leadership lessons with the passion for the game of basketball. Make sure to subscribe to Converge for future episodes that spotlight outstanding leaders and their unique journeys, just like Evelyn Magley’s transformative work with TBL.

Be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don’t miss future conversations with great leaders!

Tune In + Subscribe

Meet Your Guest

Evelyn Magley

Evelyn Magley, a pioneering leader, made history as the first female owner of a professional sports league. Co-founding The Basketball League (TBL) with her husband in 2019, she has been a beacon of inspiration.

With faith as her guide, Evelyn Magley focuses on empowering young athletes with life skills, financial literacy, and community outreach.

Born in Kansas, she was the first African American homecoming queen at her high school and went on to graduate from The University of Kansas. She is a renowned keynote speaker, sharing her wisdom on leadership and professional development.

Her life’s mission is to build stronger communities, promote financial literacy, and inspire future leaders with messages of kindness, love, understanding, and respect.

About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast

Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.

Meet Your Hosts

Dr. Jeff Williamson

Brian Prairie

Show Sponsor

Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.