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.