What happened: A tribute post revives Val Ackerman's assessment that the game's future was secure the moment she left, comparing the honoree's impact to Michael Jordan's standing in men's basketball. The quote appears as part of a farewell message framed around a career's conclusion.

Why it matters: Invoking Jordan as the comparison point signals the scale of the legacy being marked, a label rarely applied inside the sport. Ackerman's own departure from the league ties the comparison to a specific handoff moment in the game's history.

What to watch: The tribute stands as part of the broader send-off; further details on any accompanying ceremony have not surfaced.