Val Ackerman: Legacy, Leadership, and Redefining the landscape of sports · 32:19

In this episode of On Stage, BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman joins Sports Business Journal’s Publisher and Executive Editor, Abraham Madkour for an inspiring and candid conversation that took place on September 25, 2025, at SBJ’s Game Changers conference in New York City. Ackerman — a pioneer in sports leadership and one of the most respected voices in college athletics — reflects on a career defined by innovation, advocacy, and resilience. From helping launch the WNBA as its first president to guiding the BIG EAST through a time of rapid change, Ackerman’s insights illuminate how leadership evolves in moments of transition. Key themes include: - College Sports in Flux: Ackerman’s perspective on the future of NCAA governance, revenue sharing, and why she believes Congress must help bring order to college athletics. - Leadership Lessons: How she approaches decision-making, mentorship, and the challenge of staying grounded while leading through uncertainty. - Women in Leadership: Reflections on her pioneering role at the WNBA and what progress still looks like for women across sports business and administration. - The BIG EAST’s Future: How the conference is positioning itself in an era of consolidation, commercial pressure, and new opportunity. - A Life in Sports: What drives her after decades of service to the game — and what legacy she hopes to leave behind. It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation that captures both the wisdom and candor of one of the most influential figures in modern sports. 🔔Subscribe to SBJ on YouTube: https://bit.ly/41bbXaV #NCAA #bigeast #leadership #wnba #finalfour 0:00 - Introduction 1:30 - Opening Remarks & Introduction of Val 1:53 - The Origins of Game Changers Conference 3:15 - Title IX and Early Scholarship Experience at UVA 4:16 - Disparities Between Men's and Women's Sports 5:07 - From Law School to Wall Street to the NBA 6:35 - Interviewing with NBA Legends & Joining the League 7:32 - Pitching the WNBA to NBA Owners 9:26 - Early Success of the WNBA: Blessing and Curse 10:26 - Reflections on WNBA’s Growth and Societal Shifts 12:03 - Transition to Big East Commissioner Role 13:45 - Rebuilding the Big East from Scratch 14:36 - Challenges Faced by Athletic Directors Today 16:15 - “Not All Paths Are Linear” – Career Advice 17:47 - Blending Masculine and Feminine Leadership Traits 19:11 - Knowing When to Make a Career Move 21:18 - Word Game: David Stern, Russ Granick, and Leadership Styles 23:02 - Biggest Career Challenge: Leading the Big East 24:25 - Could Stern’s Style Work Today? 25:44 - College Sports: Learning from Pro Sports Models 27:51 - Optimism for the Future of College Sports 29:10 - Quick Hit: What Val Would Change in College Basketball 31:26 - Outro

October 28, 2025