Val Ackerman

Val Ackerman, Commissioner of the Big East Conference

Val Ackerman, Katie Koch

On March 12, the Big East Conference suspended its tournament quarterfinals following a strategic assessment by its Board of Directors amidst state mandates on large gatherings and the broader coronavirus response. Under the leadership of President Val Ackerman, the conference simultaneously launched a diversity working group across its 11 member schools and advocated for NCAA rule changes permitting student-athletes to monetize their names, images, and likenesses. With UConn's recent addition strengthening its competitive profile and an expanded digital network, the conference is navigating complex return-to-play logistics while leveraging its status as the largest producer of collegiate women's sports programming.