CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business is an annual list spotlighting women whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the business world.
CNBC Changemakers

Val Ackerman

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Organization: The Big East Conference 
Title: Commissioner  
Industry: Sports 

Standout achievement in 2025: Expanded the Big East's commercial footprint, landing major media rights deals and bringing new visibility to college sports franchises. 

Ackerman, who has served as Big East Commissioner since 2013, oversaw another successful year for the conference, with the UConn women's team winning the national championship in basketball, a sold-out men's basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden, and former Big East players winning Rookie of the Year awards in both the NBA and WNBA.

Ackerman also helped the Big East land a new secondary rights deal with Disney's ESPN, giving visibility to all of its 22 conference sports and making it one of the most televised conferences in college sports. 

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