Podcast appearances and mentions of Val Ackerman

It's Draft Day!  This week, Charles and Mike discuss the NFL Draft and explain why it has become such an indicator of the league's success.  Then they react to Mike Tomlin's move to NBC, the ongoing Mike Vrabel/Dianna Russini saga, and the NFL's meeting with the FCC.  Plus, the playoffs are underway in both the NBA and NHL!  Jason's Wormbyte covers the latest from LIV, conversations around the CFP format, and a hat tip to Val Ackerman, while The Dr. Mike Smith Sports Moment of the Week reveals a new documentary sure to be on everybody's watchlist! 

Val Ackerman, the commissioner of the Big East, retires so Mike and Connor talk about the future of the conference and where they should go from here.

Start your morning with Buzzcast with Abe Madkour:  The legacy of Val Ackerman; more change at the PGA Tour; World Cup anxiety and two major college stadium projects on the books. Sign up for SBJ 360, our free, daily newsletter. SBJ 360 delivers a concise, high-level overview of the most important stories shaping the sports industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After giving out some flowers to start the episode, Cindy Brunson and Helen Williams chop it up about WNBA training camps, the transfer portal, and more.HerHoopStats.com: Unlocking better insight about the women's game.The Her Hoop Stats Newsletter: https://herhoopstats.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk about the now former Big East Commish stepping down from her job.

Big East Commissioner and former WNBA President Val Ackerman joins Sarah to discuss how her job has changed as a result of NIL, the transfer portal and House vs. NCAA, how her previous career stops influenced her work as commissioner of a conference, and how the disparity between the football haves and have-nots is growing every day. RSVP to the 2026 Congressional College Athletics Summit here Check out Vogue’s compliment battle between Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams here And watch their very NSFW appearance with Buzzfeed here Check out @AcceptingUncleMurphy’s video praising Unrivaled here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com TikTok: @Spain.Sarah Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork Follow producer Bianca Hillier! Bluesky:@biancahillier.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big East's Val Ackerman on diversification in the leadership, Big Ten softening CFP stance, SCORE Act updates and more.We would love to know what you think of the show and you can let us know on social media @D1ticker.If you are not subscribed to D1.ticker, you can and should subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.d1ticker.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Just as the BIG EAST prepared to announce its new 6-year digital media deal with ESPN, Val Ackerman, BIG EAST Commissioner, sat down with Mike Schreiber, Playfly Sports Founder and Chairman, for the first episode of JohnWallStreet's Business of College Sports podcast.  In this episode, Commissioner Ackerman shares her vision for the BIG EAST conference, weighing in on media rights and reaching digital audiences, the impact of revenue-sharing within BIG EAST schools as a result of the House Settlement, the unique Pitino coaches' clash next season, and more.

Big thanks to Val for taking a few minutes to talk some hoops as we enter March Madness.

Since the Supreme Court's 2021 decision in NCAA v. Alston paved the way for universities to pay student-athletes, college sports have changed dramatically. Now, the NCAA is asking for an antitrust exemption to help navigate these changes. The NCAA is surely facing a complex set of challenges, but an antitrust exemption is a big ask. This raises the question: Is an antitrust exemption a reasonable response to the current challenges facing college sports, a uniquely American institution?Val Ackerman is the commissioner of the Big East Conference. Previously, she was the founding president of the WNBA.Jim Cavale is the founder of Athletes.org.Ross Dellenger is a senior college football reporter at Yahoo Sports.Matthew Mitten is the executive director of National Sports Law Institute at Marquette University.Katherine Van Dyck is the founder of KVD Strategies.Note: This episode is adapted from the most recent installment of the American Enterprise Institute's Education Policy Debate Series, which was held at AEI on February 27. A video recording of the debate can be found here.

Val Ackerman was the founding president of the WNBA, was the president of USA Basketball, is the commissioner of the Big East Conference, and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Val joins Adam to share her journey as a trailblazer and a leader in the world of sports and her best lessons and advice. Val and Adam discuss a wide range of topics: leadership; career success; inclusivity; balance; mentorship; and much more.

On the pod this week, the World Series is set and SBJ's Mollie Cahillane and Austin Karp break down the Fall Classic's star power. The duo also discuss the WNBA's record-breaking Finals numbers and what's next for the league. Later in the show, Karp talks with Big East commissioner Val Ackerman about the league's media rights as the basketball season approves tipoff. Following that great interview, we have another one, as Cahillane chats with ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike about her new deal.

Live from Big East Media Day, Matt Norlander talks to Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, Butler Coach Thad Motta, and St. John's Coach Rick Pitino. Eye on College Basketball is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Follow our team: @EyeonCBBPodcast @GaryParrishCBS @MattNorlander @Kyle_Boone @DavidWCobb @NataTheScribe Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest in sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos for betting on college basketball. You can listen to us on your smart speakers! Simply say, "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast," or "Hey, Google, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast." Email the show for any reason whatsoever: ShoutstoCBS@gmail.com Visit Eye on College Basketball's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFb_xyBgOekQPZYC7Ijilw For more college hoops coverage, visit https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Tate Frazier reacts to the preseason AP Top 25 poll and the KenPom college basketball rankings, then see how they stack up with the OSP's preseason Top 25 (1:51). Next, Tate is joined by Big East commissioner Val Ackerman to discuss how the Big East has become a shining example of what a "basketball conference" can be, the business of campaigning for NCAA tournament bids, as well as Ackerman's time under David Stern in the NBA, as a board of director appointee for USA Basketball, and as president of the WNBA (19:32), Tate finally closes the show with some shout-outs, including charity exhibition season, Rick Pitino's return to Camelot, a new ‘SLAM' cover featuring Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, the first slip in the ReviVILLE campaign, and more (36:51). Host: Tate Frazier Guest: Val Ackerman Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moderator: Warren Zola Panelists: Martin Jarmond, Val Ackerman, Brian Higgins The world of college athletics has seen seismic shifts in recent weeks and years. The introduction of NIL compensation has altered the recruiting landscape across sports, media rights are evolving the exposure of college sports, and conference realignment is changing the college sports experience for student-athletes, universities, and their fans. This panel will delve into the impact of these changes to date and what they could mean for the future of college athletics. Hear from Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, UCLA Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, COO of NIL consulting firm Altius Tommy Gray, and NCAA SVP of Business Performance Brian Higgins as they discuss the latest developments across college sports and where we go from here. #NewGeneration

On this week's episode of NBA DNA, Hannah revisits the summer of 1997 and the inaugural season of the WNBA. Basketball legends Val Ackerman, Rebecca Lobo, Annie Meyers, and Lisa Lax join the show to talk about that shortened first season: featuring six initial teams, one accidental dynasty, one ulcer, and lots of happy tears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of NBA DNA, Hannah revisits the summer of 1997 and the inaugural season of the WNBA. Basketball legends Val Ackerman, Rebecca Lobo, Annie Meyers, and Lisa Lax join the show to talk about that shortened first season: featuring six initial teams, one accidental dynasty, one ulcer, and lots of happy tears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of NBA DNA, we dig into the history of women's pro hoops: from the early days in colleges and church basements to the ill-fated leagues of the 1980s, and finally, the creation of the 1996 Women's Dream Team. Hannah shares the lesser-known story of the barnstorming tour that led to today's WNBA and sits down with some of the women who made it possible: Rebecca Lobo and former WNBA president Val Ackerman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of NBA DNA, we dig into the history of women's pro hoops: from the early days in colleges and church basements to the ill-fated leagues of the 1980s, and finally, the creation of the 1996 Women's Dream Team. Hannah shares the lesser-known story of the barnstorming tour that led to today's WNBA and sits down with some of the women who made it possible: Rebecca Lobo and former WNBA president Val Ackerman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Can you explain what you mean when you say “involving others” is a key pillar in your leadership framework?  What would you say to leaders who are tasked with recruiting people when their organization might not be performing at its potential? What are the things YOU focus on when assembling a team of great talent? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

If you want to accomplish something big, you won't get very far without a team.  And Val Ackerman knows a LOT about the power of teamwork. She's the Commissioner of the Big East Conference and one of the executives behind the iconic “Dream Team” at the ‘96 Olympics. She was also the first-ever President of the WNBA. And as the new WNBA season tips off May 14th, it's the perfect opportunity to sit down with Val and get some great insights on how to foster teamwork. You'll also learn: Tips for leading in high-bureaucracy circumstances  How to react when someone moves on to a new job The mindset you need when the pressure's high Must-hear advice for women leaders ——— FEATURED RESOURCE The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

Big East Conference Commissioner Val Ackerman joins the show! We talk UConn's dominant run to another title, possible expansion, and the Caitlin Clark effect in women's hoops.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Dr. Deborah Stroman and Val Ackerman. Val Ackerman is the Commissioner of the Big East and is the former WNBA Commissioner as well as the first WNBA Commissioner ever. Ackerman and Dr. Stroman discuss both women's college basketball and professional women's basketball.

Val Ackerman, Commissioner of the Big East Conference joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on the substantial changes in college athletics, particularly as they impact schools that do not play big-time football. Called basketball-centric schools, they have to navigate the transfer portal, NIL, conference realignment and other tidal waves at a time where their primary revenue source is success in March—March Madness.

Big East commissioner Val Ackerman is wary of the major changes coming to college sports, including the possibility of athletes becoming unionized employees. She joins the show to discuss how the overlapping web of school, conference, state, and federal rules and bylaws create a sea of confusion regarding the future of college sports. Plus, a potential betting scandal encircles Temple University, a new college basketball tournament shows what is possible in the NIL era, and Roger Clemens comes out of retirement …. for the Savannah Bananas.

The NCAA has found itself wrestling with constant change: Burgeoning TV Rights deals, athletes monetizing their image, and major conferences adding and subtracting big schools from their roster. Those issues weren't on Val Ackerman radar as a four-year hoops star at the University of Virginia. They were secondary as she helped launch the WNBA. Now, as Big East Commissioner, they're at the forefront, calling on all of her skills as a leader and a strategist.  https://www.ice.com/insights/conversations/inside-the-ice-house

In episode #55 of The Business Case For Women's Sports, presented by Ally, Caroline interviews Val Ackerman - the Commissioner of the Big East Conference and the founding President of the WNBA. Val is an American sports executive, a former lawyer, and a former basketball player who is currently serving as the commissioner of the Big East Conference. In addition to her work at the Big East, Commissioner Ackerman is best known for being the first president of the WNBA, serving from 1996 to 2005.In this episode, hear Val and Caroline discuss how the landscape of women's sports has changed over the last 27 years since she became the first woman to successfully launch & operate a women's team sports league in the U.S., and why Val is optimistic about the future of women's sports.More from GOALS Follow GOALS on Twitter: @goals_sports_Follow GOALS on Instagram: @goals_sports_Follow GOALS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goals-sportsShop: goals-sports.com/shopEmail: hello@goals-sports.com

Today the WNBA kicks off its 27th season and Arash and Andy Bernstein revisit a Classic episode with the WNBA's founding President, Val Ackerman, on Legends of Sport Friday! Under Val's leadership from 1997-2005, the league developed into the most successful women's professional sports league in the world. Hear Andy and Val discuss the late NBA Commissioner David Stern, the moment she was appointed WNBA President, maintaining competitive balance in the early years of the league, the keys to growing the sport, cross-promotion of the NBA & WNBA, being named to the Women's Basketball HOF, visibility of women's leagues for young women and so much more! Val is currently the Commissioner of the Big East Conference. And do not forget to follow or subscribe to The Arash Markazi Show on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, & I Heart Radio. Also check out his daily columns on themorningcolumn.com and The Sporting Tribune. Music Credit: Alright by Kendrick Lamar Humble by Kendrick Lamar I Get Around by 2Pac To Live and Die in L.A. by 2Pac Social Media: Instagram & Twitter: @thesportingtrib

This week's LOS CLASSIC from Season 1 features former WNBA President & current Big East Conference Commissioner - Val Ackerman! Andy & Val discuss her growing up in an athletics-focused family, the genesis of her becoming the WNBA's first President, the influence of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, the moment she was appointed WNBA President, maintaining competitive balance in the early years of the WNBA, discussions of rim height & ball size in the women's game, the keys to growing the sport, cross-promotion between the NBA & WNBA, thoughts on 1-and-done athletes, being named to the Women's Basketball HOF, visibility of women's leagues for young women, and their shared love for The Boss! Original Air Date: August 27, 2018.

Val Ackerman is the current BIG EAST commissioner, the founding president of the WNBA and a past president of USA Basketball. A scholarship women's basketball athlete at the University of Virginia, Val played basketball professionally in France before attending law school. She is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. In this episode, Val discusses what has been critical to her professional success and how her mother's journey as the youngest child of immigrants from Czechoslovakia inspired her. She discusses her athletic career and delves into what it was like growing up during a time when there were no organized sport opportunities for girls. Val reflects on the impact Title IX has had in her life. Val then highlights the role female-focused philanthropy can play in growing and shaping college sports. She examines whether NIL can help women's sports and athletes. Val outlines issues that must be addressed for the growth of women's sport to be optimized. Finally, Val discusses what is on the mind of everyone who loves college sports: where is it headed? She pinpoints critical issues facing intercollegiate sports to discuss its future. Get the Ruling Sports Newsletter: https://rulingsports.com/newsletter/ Follow Ruling Sports Instagram: www.Instagram.com/RulingSports Twitter: www.Twitter.com/RulingSports Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RulingSports LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/RulingSports TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@RulingSports

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, continues its ninth season with guests BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman, Providence head coach Ed Cooley and CBS and FOX Sports analyst Bill Raftery.The ninth episode of TWITBE reviews the past week of BIG EAST basketball, taking a deep dive into the Marquette Golden Eagles regular season crown. Picked ninth in the preseason poll, Marquette earned the program's first outright BIG EAST regular season title following a win at Butler on Tuesday and will enter the tournament as the top overall seed. In addition, Villanova is scorching at the right time, winning six of its last seven games and will enter the BIG EAST Tournament as the No. 6 seed.The BIG EAST Spotlight is on BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman, who gives her thoughts on the state of the conference. In a decade since realignment, Ackerman provides insight into the success of the conference and the teams who comprise it. From consistently rising attendance figures, to multiple teams in the national polls, the BIG EAST is poised for March Madness.  The BIG EAST Focus shines on Providence head coach Ed Cooley. Cooley won BIG EAST Coach of the Year Honors and Naismith Coach of the Year honors last season as Providence made a run to the Sweet 16. After an offseason of activity in the transfer portal, the Friars are back near the top of the BIG EAST standings and poised to make noise not just in the BIG EAST Tournament, but the NCAA Tournament as well.CBS and FOX Sports Analyst Bill Raftery gives a view on the national perspective. Raftery discusses his excitement about the prospects of a wide-open tournament that any number of teams could win. The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to 2013. Marquette clinched the BIG EAST regular season title on Tuesday with a win at Butler almost ten years to the day after clinching a share of the regular season conference crown with Louisville and Georgetown. The Golden Eagles wound up advancing to the East Regional Final that season.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 134 XM 201 Online 964.

With the Big East basketball tournaments tipping-off soon, and with March Madness around the corner, we are once again featuring the story of Conference Commissioner, Val Ackerman. She started in her role 10 years ago, after a wave of realignment left the conference in peril, with only 7 schools remaining from the old big east.   With no real staff in place, she was able to rebuild the Big East into what it is today. She credits the strength of their basketball programs, including Villanova's two national titles in 2016 and 2018.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=b6f6f477c06d60388fcefdcfca76bf83   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Founding President of the WNBA and current Commissioner of the Big East, Val Ackerman discusses the significance of being one of the first women to receive an athletic scholarship at the University of Virginia, the years she spent working in the NBA alongside Hall of Fame Commissioner David Stern, the WNBA's inception and how she's approaching NIL and conference realignment as the leader of the Big East. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PODCAST: Val Ackerman, BIG EAST Conference Commissioner, Founding President of the WNBA, the first woman to serve as the President of USA Basketball and Basketball Hall of Fame joins Sports Business Radio for a wide-ranging conversation. Ackerman discusses her trail blazing career as a woman executive working in sports, the early days of her career working side-by-side with late NBA Commissioner David Stern in the NBA league office and her current role as Commissioner of the BIG EAST Conference. She also tells us what needs to be done to continue to grow women's sports and how the college sports landscape might continue to evolve with NIL, conference realignment and other changes. LISTEN to Sports Business Radio on Apple podcasts or Spotify podcasts. WATCH conversations on the Sports Business Radio YouTube channel at www.sportsbusinessradio.com. Follow Sports Business Radio on Twitter @SBRadio and on Instagram @SportsBusinessRadio. This week's edition of Sports Business Radio is presented by InsideTracker. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized performance system that analyzes biomarker data from your blood, DNA, lifestyle and fitness tracker to help you optimize your body and reach your health & wellness goals. InsideTracker transforms your body's data into true knowledge, meaningful insights and customized action plans of evidence-backed nutrition, fitness and lifestyle recommendations. Founded in 2009 by leading scientists in aging, genetics and biometric data from MIT, Tufts, and Harvard, InsideTracker's mission is to improve the healthspan of people everywhere so they can enjoy longer, healthier lives - adding life to their years and years to their life. For a limited time, you can get 20% off the entire Inside Tracker store. Just go to InsideTracker.com/SBR and save 20% today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are less than one week away from taking on Tennessee in the first exhibition game of the season, which should be a great one for Mark Few and the fans in Spokane. Big East commissioner Val Ackerman recently spoke about the potential for expansion, which could include the Zags in 2025 depending on media rights.Today's episode is a mailbag, and we discuss who Gonzaga's rival would be in the Big East and how the women's program would fare in a conference that includes the mighty UConn Huskies.In the second segment we look at what would happen to the WCC if Gonzaga left, with speculation on which schools they might add. I also talk about which teams I'd like to see succeed this year outside of Gonzaga and the WCC - shouting out a former powerhouse in the Mountain West.Finally, we end the show with discussion about Kelly Olynyk's excellent start with the Utah Jazz and what it means for his future, and a look at Jalen Suggs' hot start this year and what his NBA potential is at this point in his career.Link to Andy's website all about Gonzaga: https://scorezagsscore.com/Danny Evans GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-coach-danny-evans-his-childrenJeremy Eaton GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/r8yj3-jeremys-cancer-fundhttps://linktr.ee/LockedOnZagsLocked on Zags - Part of the Locked on Podcast Network.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.PrizePicksDon't hesitate, check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “LOCKEDON” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy!NetSuiteOver twenty-seven thousand businesses already use NetSuite and RIGHT NOW through the end of the year NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind financing program to those ready to upgrade at NetSuite.com/LOCKEDONNCAA. C3fXiHupJDC9byuRc45r Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are less than one week away from taking on Tennessee in the first exhibition game of the season, which should be a great one for Mark Few and the fans in Spokane. Big East commissioner Val Ackerman recently spoke about the potential for expansion, which could include the Zags in 2025 depending on media rights. Today's episode is a mailbag, and we discuss who Gonzaga's rival would be in the Big East and how the women's program would fare in a conference that includes the mighty UConn Huskies. In the second segment we look at what would happen to the WCC if Gonzaga left, with speculation on which schools they might add. I also talk about which teams I'd like to see succeed this year outside of Gonzaga and the WCC - shouting out a former powerhouse in the Mountain West. Finally, we end the show with discussion about Kelly Olynyk's excellent start with the Utah Jazz and what it means for his future, and a look at Jalen Suggs' hot start this year and what his NBA potential is at this point in his career. Link to Andy's website all about Gonzaga: https://scorezagsscore.com/ Danny Evans GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-coach-danny-evans-his-children Jeremy Eaton GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/r8yj3-jeremys-cancer-fund https://linktr.ee/LockedOnZags Locked on Zags - Part of the Locked on Podcast Network. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. PrizePicks Don't hesitate, check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “LOCKEDON” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy! NetSuite Over twenty-seven thousand businesses already use NetSuite and RIGHT NOW through the end of the year NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind financing program to those ready to upgrade at NetSuite.com/LOCKEDONNCAA.  C3fXiHupJDC9byuRc45r Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big East commissioner Val Ackerman spoke about conference realignment on Tuesday, expressing confidence in the current member schools but hinting that expansion could happen when the league negotiates a new media rights deal in 2025. Ackerman also indicated the league had informal discussions with multiple schools, of which Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs almost certainly are included. But will the distance from Spokane, Washington to the other member schools be a hurdle too difficult to overcome? And will the Zags wait that long while still in the WCC?Today's show also discusses Corey Kispert's second season in Washington, where he will miss a few weeks with an ankle injury. What will his role look like when he returns? We close out the show discussing Jalen Suggs, who is amazingly healthy enough to play in game one despite a nasty knee injury suffered in preseason. Is this the year Suggs fully breaks out and becomes an All-NBA defensive player?Link to Jackson Frank's article about Jalen Suggs: https://uproxx.com/dimemag/jalen-suggs-elite-defense-video-breakdown/Link to my website all about Gonzaga: https://scorezagsscore.com/Danny Evans GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-coach-danny-evans-his-childrenJeremy Eaton GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/r8yj3-jeremys-cancer-fundhttps://linktr.ee/LockedOnZagsLocked on Zags - Part of the Locked on Podcast Network.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.PrizePicksDon't hesitate, check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “LOCKEDON” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy!NetSuiteOver twenty-seven thousand businesses already use NetSuite and RIGHT NOW through the end of the year NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind financing program to those ready to upgrade at NetSuite.com/LOCKEDONNCAA. C3fXiHupJDC9byuRc45r Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big East commissioner Val Ackerman spoke about conference realignment on Tuesday, expressing confidence in the current member schools but hinting that expansion could happen when the league negotiates a new media rights deal in 2025. Ackerman also indicated the league had informal discussions with multiple schools, of which Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs almost certainly are included. But will the distance from Spokane, Washington to the other member schools be a hurdle too difficult to overcome? And will the Zags wait that long while still in the WCC? Today's show also discusses Corey Kispert's second season in Washington, where he will miss a few weeks with an ankle injury. What will his role look like when he returns? We close out the show discussing Jalen Suggs, who is amazingly healthy enough to play in game one despite a nasty knee injury suffered in preseason. Is this the year Suggs fully breaks out and becomes an All-NBA defensive player? Link to Jackson Frank's article about Jalen Suggs: https://uproxx.com/dimemag/jalen-suggs-elite-defense-video-breakdown/ Link to my website all about Gonzaga: https://scorezagsscore.com/ Danny Evans GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-coach-danny-evans-his-children Jeremy Eaton GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/r8yj3-jeremys-cancer-fund https://linktr.ee/LockedOnZags Locked on Zags - Part of the Locked on Podcast Network. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. PrizePicks Don't hesitate, check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “LOCKEDON” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy! NetSuite Over twenty-seven thousand businesses already use NetSuite and RIGHT NOW through the end of the year NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind financing program to those ready to upgrade at NetSuite.com/LOCKEDONNCAA.  C3fXiHupJDC9byuRc45r Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Val Ackerman, Commissioner of the Big East Conference. Gene DeFilippo & Val talk about her incredible impact on both professional and collegiate basketball, Val's time as the President of the WNBA, and the role she played in the development of the Dream Team. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!

Val Ackerman was named the fifth Commissioner of the BIG EAST Conference on June 26, 2013. She previously served as an attorney and executive at the National Basketball Association, was the founding President of the Women's National Basketball Association, and is a past President of USA Basketball, which oversees the U.S. men's and women's Olympic basketball program. She also served for two terms as the U.S. representative to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). She has been inducted as a contributor into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2021) and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2011) and has received the Billie Jean King Leadership Award from the Women's Sports Foundation (2016). Val is a 1981 graduate of the University of Virginia, where she graduated with high honors with a B.A. in political and social thought and was a three-time captain and Academic All-American on the women's basketball team. She received her law degree from UCLA in 1985.   Val had a number of amazing insights during our conversation. Some of them include: “Sports aren't like a monolithic block” (6:40). “When we started the WNBA there was always a sense of cause. It was like rolling a rock up a hill” (13:15). “What made my transition to the NBA such a great match for me was because I was a ‘basketball person'” (18:35). “I worked very hard with my personal relationships in the league” (18:10). “In any line of work, [the quality of your personal relationships] makes or breaks you” (18:15). “Preparation and attention to details were hallmarks [for working with David Stern]” (21:10). “David Stern had this adage that ‘micromanagement is underrated'” (21:15). “I took the best of both of them” (23:30). “I try to be practical but visionary” (23:40). “I'm a much more mature, developed leader than I was when I took the job at the NBA” (24:40). “I did all these other things that, in their way, fortified my leadership skills” (26:20). “My pregnancy and maternity in the early years was one of the most challenging periods of my life” (27:40). “When I got pregnant, I was a unicorn in the office… I was working for people whose wives didn't work… They didn't expect me to come back” (28:00). “When I came back from maternity leave, I really had something to prove at the league” (28:30). “It takes a village if you want to be a working parent” (29:10). “It was part-time, but I made it part-time-plus. I threw myself into USA Basketball” (33:35). “I could have an interlude in my life where I could be more present with my daughters” (34:45). “My career has been totally unplanned… I don't know what my next chapter is” (44:00). “I'm serious, I'm competitive, I want to do well… but at the same time I'm a compassionate person, I care deeply about the relationships that I have with the many people in my life” (49:30). “If you're going to be successful in your field and fulfill the demands that are made on you as a leader, you have to have that expectation that you're going to make sacrifices” (51:20). “I think it's important to clear your head regularly. There's so much going on and you can't be on all the time” (52:50). “Sports is one of the great ways of bringing people together in our world… The power of sports is very real” (56:30).   Additionally, make sure to follow the Big East Conference on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Thank you so much to Val for coming on the podcast! I wrote a book called “Shift Your Mind” that was released in October of 2020, and you can order it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, I have launched a company called Strong Skills, and I encourage you to check out our new website https://www.strongskills.co/. If you liked this episode and/or any others, please follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX! Val Ackerman, the Commissioner of the Big East and 2006 Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Women's Basketball is our guest to celebrate this landmark event, and what it has meant for the growth of women's basketball and women's athletics! Plus, host Bob Rathbun recaps the Naismith Award winners and finalists who were selected in this week's NBA Draft.WANT TO SUPPORT A TROPHY LIFE?Leave a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback only helps make the show better, and we appreciate your support!For more information about the Naismith Trophy Award, visit our home on the web.http://naismithtrophy.com/

As an attorney, Val Ackerman can usually see both sides. But not on this topic. With bona fides that include an early Title IX basketball scholarship to Virginia, a law degree from UCLA, being tapped by David Stern in 1996 to help design the WNBA, sitting with Pres. George Bush at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 as the first female President of USA Basketball, and thoughts born of her current position as the Commissioner of the Big East, Val Ackerman is certain of one thing. The men and women should play the Final Four in the same city at the same time. She tells us why, along with theories about NIL and how the Big East offers value beyond money. Val Ackerman is fearless - she grew up minutes from where Washington crossed the Delaware. And one of them is in the Naismith Hall of Fame.

It's 1996, more than a decade since the NCAA has taken over women's college sports. Many of the association's brightest basketball stars are on Team USA, hoping to take home gold at the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. But this team is more than just a team. They're an experiment to see whether it's worth bankrolling a professional women's league. While this is happening, women on the collegiate level are still fighting for equal standing for their programs and players. Some believe the NCAA is partly to blame for the rapid decline in women leaders and coaches in basketball.

Val talks about her playing days at Virginia, the WNBA, her induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and her current role as the Commissioner of the Big East Conference.

In celebration of Women's History Month, we're proud to deliver our first-ever all-female podcast episode featuring a handful of accomplished women and trailblazers in the basketball world. Abby Chin and Amanda Pflugrad host and bring in Big East Commissioner and the first president of the WNBA Val Ackerman, Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti, and Boston Celtics scout and three-time national champion Ashley Battle. The group weaves through a long list of topics all centered around what it's like to be a woman in the sporting world, and in particular, the world of basketball. 2:20 – Abby and Amanda welcome in their ridiculously impressive list of guests 3:35 – Val Ackerman explains the path she's taken to becoming the Commissioner of the Big East 5:55 – Ashley Battle jumps in to tell the story of her career 7:55 – Jen Rizzotti rounds out the group by explaining how she came to be president of the Connecticut Sun 11:20 – Rizzotti and Battle explain how the WNBA bubble empowered the players of the league 15:00 – Ackerman states her ‘four buckets' between the connection of women and sports 18:00 – Ackerman recalls an experience that scarred her and proved to her just how much more work needs to be done within FIBA to embrace women in basketball 23:43 – The group discusses the challenges women face of having a family while trying to build their careers 28:15 – The group gives advice on how to overcome challenges while discussing their own stories 32:40 – Allison Feaster, the Celtics' Vice President of Player Development and Organizational Growth, is discussed amongst the group 36:05 – Rizzotti reveals her perspective on women in the workforce

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One is in its eighth season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The ninth episode of the season welcomes DePaul senior guard Javon Freeman-Liberty, BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman and former Providence coach and current ESPN College Basketball analyst Tim Welsh.TWITBE welcomes DePaul guard Javon Freeman-Liberty in the BIG EAST Spotlight, ahead of Saturday's regular season finale against No. 18 UConn. Despite an injury sidelining the all-around guard for a month, including seven conference games, Freeman-Liberty is back in the starting lineup lighting up the scoreboard. Leading the BIG EAST with 21.9 ppg over the course of his 22 regular season games, as well as averaging 22.7 in 12 league games, he has led the Blue Demons (15-14, 6-13 BE) back over .500 while riding a three-game winning streak. Averaging 28.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 3.3 spg in his last four outings, paving the way to league wins over Georgetown, St. John's and Marquette. BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman is on TWITBE bringing this week's focus on the upcoming conference tournament. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the BIG EAST Conference staging its men's basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden, with the excitement surrounding the return of fans to the World's Most Famous Arena. Ackerman also takes some time to discuss the Women's Basketball Tournament tipping off Friday morning, the Black Fives initiative and the impacts NIL and transfers have had and will continue to have on collegiate sports.ESPN College Basketball analyst Tim Welsh gives a view on the national perspective. Welsh joins the show to give his insights on the upcoming conference tournaments across the NCAA and the impacts they will have on selection Sunday (March 13).The episode's “Who's Hot” segment continues to feature “Blast from the Past” a segment reliving the greatest moments of 40 years at Madison Square Garden. This week, return to the semifinals of the 2018 BIG EAST Tournament, where No. 5 seed Providence led a furious comeback against top-seeded Xavier, to force overtime and advance to the BIG EAST Championship game against Villanova.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.  The show will air on Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 138, XM 201 and Online 964, leading into the Villanova broadcast of Villanova at Butler. 

On Episode No.71 of The unTITLED Podcast, in "ODDS & ENDS" and "FAIR" Shannon and Stacey discuss Chicago bringing home their first WNBA Championship, the first NCAA Women's AP Poll, Val Ackerman's thoughts on a combined Men's and Women's Final Four, the Ted Lasso Season Finale, Adele's new single, Dawn Staley's new contract, Athletes Unlimited launching a basketball league in January, the NWSL's hiring of Marla Messing and Nneka Ogwumike's landmark deal for the reproductive rights of WNBA players, and rank their Top 10 Halloween movies (1:15); Before Shannon is joined by Jen Fay to break down game 4 of the WNBA Finals that saw Chicago crowned champions and the events after the final whistle (49:12); To close the episode, the 71st edition of "Player Voicemail" (1:16:51).Listen/Subscribe/Rate/Review : Apple + SpotifyFollow/Engage : Instagram @untitled.offic + Twitter @untitledofficSupport The Girls.

Val Ackerman - Big East Commissioner - on why the name, image and likeness era is one of the most momentous junctures in NCAA history. When student-athletes are selecting a school to attend, they look for the best personal fit in terms of coaching staff, facilities, playing time, academics, proximity to home, and now NIL opportunities. Link to Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/val-ackerman-big-east/id1544529117?i=1000527346274

Val Ackerman was the founding President of the WNBA. Now she draws on her years of experience as a professional basketball player, executive, and journalist in her role as Commissioner of the Big East. She joined the Big East in 2013 while the conference was reeling from the departure of 7 member schools. She discusses with AJ how her team overcame that challenge and compares the similarities to their most recent obstacle, the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss the impact of NIL on college athletics, advice she took from NBA Commissioner David Stern, and the future of the WNBA.   Details: 1:55 - Val's basketball career 5:00 - Title IX 12:45 - Launching the WNBA 18:25 - Big East 24:15 - NIL 35:40 - Rapid Fire Questions