Evelyn Magley – CEO

Evelyn Magley has etched her name in history as a trailblazer, becoming the first African American woman to own a male professional sports league in the United States. Her groundbreaking achievements extend far beyond the realm of sports, encompassing a deep commitment to community engagement and youth development.

Prior to her role as CEO of The Basketball League (TBL), Evelyn served as the Director of Community Engagement at the Brampton A’s of the National Basketball League (NBL) of Canada. In this capacity, she skillfully bridged the gap between professional basketball teams, nonprofit organizations, and the broader community. Her efforts scaled forward-facing programming that left a lasting impact on the NBL’s outreach.

Evelyn’s passion for positively influencing the lives of young people extends to her background as a Music Educator and Music Therapist. A proud graduate of the University of Kansas, she co-founded “Children with Purpose,” an inner-city ministry dedicated to mentoring children through a holistic approach encompassing the gospel, academic support, nourishing meals, and the power of music.

One of her most remarkable accomplishments was overseeing the construction of a $3.7 million Fine Arts Building in Bradenton, Florida, which served as a hub for nurturing talent and education. Under her guidance, the music program within the facility experienced exponential growth, boasting an impressive 89% participation rate. Evelyn Magley’s enduring legacy is not only as a sports industry pioneer but also as a devoted advocate for education and community enrichment.

David Magley – President

David Magley’s journey in the world of basketball is a tale of dedication, excellence, and visionary leadership. As a retired NBA player and coach, he has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his passion for the game continues to shine brightly.

Prior to assuming the role of President of The Basketball League (TBL), David served as the commissioner of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL). In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping to steer the league toward new heights of success and recognition.

Beyond his basketball accolades, David Magley is a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of success. His business acumen and strategic vision have contributed significantly to the growth and development of various ventures throughout his career.

David’s achievements extend beyond the court and boardroom. He holds the distinction of being an Academic All-American during his time at Kansas University, underscoring his commitment to both sports and education. Additionally, he was recognized as the 1978 Indiana Mr. Basketball, a testament to his prowess on the hardwood.

David Magley’s family life is a reflection of his dedication and values. He and his wife, Evelyn, have been married for over 35 years and have raised four NCAA Student-Athlete children, showcasing their unwavering commitment to education and the development of young talent.

As President of The Basketball League, David Magley’s leadership is marked by a deep love for the game, a dedication to excellence, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. His remarkable journey continues to inspire and shape the future of professional basketball.

Carlnel Wiley, Jr. – Commissioner

Commissioner Carlnel Wiley brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and a lifelong commitment to the game to his role at The Basketball League (TBL). His journey from a successful collegiate and professional playing career that spanned the globe to becoming a distinguished coach and leader has been nothing short of remarkable.

With over two decades of coaching experience across various levels, including the NBA D-League, Coach Wiley’s passion for the sport is palpable. His recent accolade as the recipient of the “TBL Coach of the Year” award with the Mesquite Desert Dogs underscores his coaching prowess and dedication to player development.

Carlnel Wiley’s dedication to education is evident in his academic achievements, having earned a Masters Degree from Chico State. He also served as the Director of Basketball Operations for Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, showcasing his aptitude for managing and supporting the growth of basketball programs.

In his role as Commissioner, Carlnel’s responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from facilitating new market expansion to overseeing the implementation of league rules. He also plays a pivotal role in organizing the summer combine series and is committed to fostering the overall growth of the league.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Carlnel Wiley is a firm believer in the importance of giving back to the community. He actively invests his time in various youth organizations, including the YMCA, Kids Kottage, and The Boys and Girls Club. His dedication to nurturing the youth and instilling strong values of character and work ethic reflects his vision for a brighter future.

As a devoted family man, Carlnel Wiley has spent the last 12 years raising his beloved daughter, whom he cherishes as “the love of his life.” His dedication to his family, players, and the community exemplifies his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the court.

In the words of Evelyn Magley, CEO of TBL, “Carlnel has proven to be a faithful and resourceful supporter of the vision, and we are Blessed that he has agreed to be in this key role as we grow to the next level with TBL.” With Carlnel Wiley at the helm, The Basketball League is poised for an exciting future defined by excellence and positive transformation.

Ronnie Nunn – Vice President Basketball Operations Consultant Volunteer

Ronnie Nunn, born in Brooklyn, New York, is a 27 year veteran of the NBA, nineteen seasons as an official, 5 years as the league’s Director of Officials and 3 years as Director of Development.  During his Administrative tenure, he hosted Making the Call with Ronnie Nunn for 7 seasons aired on NBA TV. He officiated 1,134 regular season, 73 playoff, 4 NBA Finals games, and the 1996 NBA All-Star Game.

Nunn continued his basketball career serving as a consultant to the Euroleague and the NBL of Australia, guest analyst for BBallbreakdown.com and operations administrator with the newly established TBL, The Basketball League.

His NunnBetterRefs Camps (nunnbetterrefs.com) provide instruction, training and development for enhancing basketball officials’ performance. His Twitter account @NunnBetterRefs also provides commentary and responses to referee calls for basketball aficionados worldwide.

Additionally, Nunn created an innovated program, NewHoopsIQ (ronnienunn.com) designed to maximize player time and productivity on the court while teaching methods and techniques to minimize fouling tendencies. Nunn implemented his program with the NY Knicks during the 2012-13 season returning them to the playoffs. ‘

He is a former Brooklyn Technical High School and George Washington University basketball player and a member of the university’s Hall of Fame and All-Century Team. Before joining the NBA, Nunn spent 2 seasons playing professional ball in Mexico and10 years as a NYC Special Education teacher and administrator.

Jerry Middleton – Director of Observations and Evaluations

Jerry Middleton brings over 44 years of professional refereeing experience to the basketball court, establishing himself as a skilled Crew Chief known for his fair and balanced officiating in the realm of professional and minor league basketball. With a steadfast commitment to maintaining safety by enforcing rules and regulations, Middleton ensures that each game he officiates is conducted with integrity and precision. His exceptional ability to communicate and interact with players, coaches, and fellow officials underscores his dedication to the sport and its community.

Throughout his illustrious career, Middleton has achieved numerous milestones and accolades. From officiating the first Indiana High School State Playoff Game in 1981 to being named TBL Referee of the Year in 2021, his contributions to the game have left an indelible mark. With 11 Finals, 16 Championship Games, and 92 Playoff Games under his belt, Middleton’s expertise and professionalism have consistently elevated the standard of officiating in every match he oversees.

In addition to his on-court accomplishments, Middleton possesses a diverse skill set that extends beyond the basketball arena. As the Director of Referee Camps/Evaluator at ProActive Officiating in Gallatin, TN, he plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing referee talent, ensuring that future officiating staff uphold the highest standards of professionalism and competency. His tenure as Assistant Athletic Director at Northeastern Wayne Schools in Fountain City, IN, further demonstrates his commitment to sports administration and program management.

Prior to his roles in sports administration, Middleton excelled in the financial sector as a Mortgage Loan Officer at Somerville National Bank in Richmond, IN. His ability to navigate complex financial transactions and deliver exceptional service to customers speaks to his versatility and adaptability in diverse professional environments. Additionally, Middleton’s passion for motorsports led him to a successful career as a Race Car Driver, where he engaged with sponsors, fans, and media to promote the sport and achieve optimal racing results.

Before transitioning to officiating, Middleton honed his coaching skills as the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Earlham College in Richmond, IN. Through individualized coaching, motivational leadership, and a commitment to fostering a positive team culture, Middleton inspired his players to reach their full potential both on and off the court.

With a rich tapestry of experience spanning various industries and roles, Jerry Middleton continues to make a lasting impact on the world of sports officiating. His unwavering dedication to fairness, professionalism, and excellence serves as a guiding light for aspiring referees and athletes alike, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of basketball history.

Rev. Daniel L. Freeman I – Director TBL Chaplain Program

The Basketball League (TBL) is more than just an organization for athletes to play and earn a living; it’s a league that takes pride in its strong values and its commitment to nurturing young men into global ambassadors. The well-being of our players is a paramount concern, and we are dedicated to providing ample opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. In 2020, we proudly launched The Chaplain Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering well-being within our league.

The Chaplain Program was thoughtfully crafted by TBL’s CEO, Evelyn Magley, in collaboration with Pastor Daniel L. Freeman. It was designed to create a healing space for our young athletes and their families, placing a special emphasis on the importance of mental self-care and offering a robust support system to ensure the well-being of our league members.

“Having someone to advocate for them is incredibly valuable,” noted Pastor Freeman.

Pastor Freeman serves as the program coordinator and has diligently assembled a dedicated team to work closely with the families of our league players. Both Freeman and Magley have worked tirelessly to shape this program to be most beneficial for our players. Since its launch in 2020, the Chaplain Program has gained momentum, with discussions already underway about establishing program locations in various cities.

“We aimed to establish a Chaplain Program in every city where we have a team, ideally two to three in each,” Freeman shared.

“The Chaplain Program is a foundational component that helps guide each young man toward discovering a sense of purpose beyond the basketball court. They require a ‘safe space’ to freely express their thoughts and emotions related to basketball and life without fear of judgment,” stated Evelyn Magley, CEO of TBL.

Dr. Marcus King – Financial Empowerment Coach and Life Skills Mentor

Dr. Coach Marcus King stands as an undisputed expert in performance enhancement, poised to make a transformative impact as the new Financial Empowerment Coach and Life Skills Mentor for The Basketball League (TBL). With a unique ability to build relationships and communicate effectively, Dr. King leverages his expertise to facilitate personal development, instill a growth mindset, and unlock leadership potential in every individual he guides.

Having founded LIISTE(N) Consulting in 2023, Dr. King’s vision aligns with TBL’s mission to empower athletes beyond the confines of the game. LIISTE(N) Consulting is dedicated to igniting transformative journeys for athletes, fostering personal value, and nurturing growth mindsets that extend far beyond the court.

The partnership between TBL and LIISTE(N) signifies a commitment to empowering individuals and fostering a culture of excellence. By combining LIISTE(N)’s expertise in personal development with TBL’s dedication to athlete empowerment, this collaboration aims to create an environment where personal growth contributes to collective success.

In his role as Financial Empowerment Coach and Life Skills Mentor, Dr. Marcus King brings a wealth of experience and expertise to enhance TBL’s program offerings. The program framework outlines a structured three-year process focused on intrapersonal and interpersonal skill mastery, self-empowerment, and the advancement of TBL’s mission.

Throughout the program, participants will engage in workshops, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives designed to promote financial literacy, leadership, resilience, and growth mindset mastery.

Dr. King also holds the esteemed title of Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) accredited by the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC). This additional credential further solidifies his expertise and commitment to equipping athletes with essential financial literacy skills.

Dr. King emphasizes, “Our partnership with TBL is an opportunity for profound transformation. Together, we will empower athletes to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on society.”

Player empowerment is at the heart of this partnership, with a focus on developing leadership prowess, personal growth, financial mastery, and a commitment to being agents of change.

Built on a foundation of strategic investments, self-sustainability, and catalytic societal returns, the alliance between TBL and LIISTE(N) represents a paradigm shift in the world of sports. It signifies a realm where empowerment fuels excellence, athletes evolve into leaders and ambassadors, and TBL ascends to unprecedented prominence.