Val Ackerman on the Future of College Sports
Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman believes that the best aspects of college sports can endure during challenging times, but only with intervention from Congress. The SCORE Act, a pivotal piece of federal legislation, is currently stalled in Washington.
Optimism Rests on Congressional Action
When asked about her optimism for the future, Ackerman stated, “I would feel more hopeful if Congress would step in and reconcile the conflicting federal laws currently affecting college sports.”
Challenges Facing College Sports
During a Fireside Chat at SBJ’s Game Changers Conference in New York, Ackerman outlined several challenges for college athletics, including antitrust issues, ongoing lawsuits regarding eligibility, and states creating their own regulations. She emphasized that Congress could help bring clarity and order to the sector.
The Burden on Athletic Directors
Ackerman, who was the first president of the WNBA, noted the extreme challenges facing athletic directors today, calling their role the toughest in sports. She praised them for managing the complexities of new revenue models and NIL issues, describing the situation as a “wild west.”
Professionalization of College Sports
Regarding the growing professionalization of college athletics, she remarked, “While we can draw from professional models, we can’t fully apply them to the college setting. However, there are valuable lessons to learn.”
Reflections on the WNBA
Ackerman reminisced about her work to launch the WNBA, recalling the receptive atmosphere among NBA owners ahead of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. She expressed pride in how far the WNBA has come, noting the importance of cultivating future audiences.
On Leadership and Diversity
Ackerman highlighted the need for continued diversification in leadership within the sports industry. She believes that the progress made over the last few decades must not reverse and urges the industry to maintain focus on matching leadership ranks with the athlete population.
