The Big East’s transformation under Val Ackerman reaches a milestone as she prepares to retire, having rebuilt the league into a premier basketball-focused conference since 2013 and guiding UConn’s 2020 return from the American Athletic Conference.

Ackerman expanded conference initiatives such as the BIG EAST Digital Network, Be the Change, student-athlete well-being programs, and long-term venue and tournament commitments at MSG (through 2032) and Mohegan Sun (through 2029).

She expressed confidence in the conference’s secure long-term business deals and strong campus leadership driving its future.

Her departure marks the end of a transformative era, redefining the conference’s identity as a premier basketball league.

She is credited as the architect who restored Big East prominence and established expectations that her successor will continue to elevate the league’s basketball prestige and competitive profile.

A national-level search will be conducted by the Big East Board of Directors to identify Ackerman’s successor, with strong campus leadership and partnerships already in place to sustain momentum.

Ackerman, the league’s first president and a trailblazer in women’s pro and college basketball leadership, secured long-term media and venue deals, including a landmark relationship with Madison Square Garden for the men’s tournament and a multiyear media pact with Fox, TNT, and NBC through 2030-31 worth about $80 million annually.

She is married to Charlie Rappaport, has two daughters, and has built a four-decade career spanning college and professional basketball administration.

Her influence extends beyond the BIG EAST through roles with NCAA committees, the Knight Commission, and the Global Sports Mentoring Program.

Ackerman’s retirement priorities include charity work, environmental causes, travel, reading, fitness, and family time, with a baton pass planned to someone who can maintain the league’s trajectory.

Under Ackerman’s leadership, the conference has shown strong academic and competitive performance, including high graduation rates and robust NCAA results for both men’s and women’s programs.

Ackerman emphasizes pioneering opportunities for women in sports and reflects on moments like the Dream Team, aiming to inspire future female leaders in the industry.