NEW YORK, May 23 – The National Basketball Association has named Philip Evans the first President of National Basketball Development League and established new league offices for the NBDL in Greenville, S.C., it was announced today by NBA Commissioner David Stern.

The NBDL launched this past November and was initially headquartered within the NBA offices in New York City. Rob Levine, NBA Senior Vice President, New League Development, managed the NBDL’s operations from its concept through the inaugural season. He will serve as an advisor to NBDL executive management while he continues his role in developing new businesses for the NBA.

Evans, who most recently served as the NBDL’s Director of Legal and Business Affairs, will oversee all NBDL operations and report directly to NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik. Karl Hicks, the NBDL’s Executive Director, will continue to oversee the league’s basketball operations including player personnel, coaching and officiating, reporting to Evans.

“Nineteen players were called up from the minor leagues to the NBA this season, including eight from the NBDL,” said Stern. “Now that we have established a foundation for our league, we are working towards a more efficient long-term business model. A full-time chief operating officer and league offices located in proximity to our teams will enable the NBDL to better connect with our fans and business partners in the region.”

Evans came to the NBDL before its inaugural season after serving three years as the Executive Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). Prior to his experience in professional basketball, Evans worked for International Family Entertainment, Inc. where he was responsible for negotiating and drafting contracts for the marketing, advertising, sales and human resources divisions of the company’s The Family Channel and FiT TV cable television networks. He began his legal career in 1988 as an associate at Latham & Watkins.

“We are building a new league that develops players, executives, and a lasting bond with fans who previously were unable to enjoy professional basketball in their hometown,” said Evans. “I am looking forward to having increased accessibility to our teams and their communities as we set up the new league office. We want to play an integral role in the lives of our host communities and I believe we can do that best by managing the league locally.”

Evans, who earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1988 and a bachelor’s degree in History and Economics from the University of Virginia in 1984, is married and has four children.