Phoenix Suns, NBA amplify Hispanic culture in Dia de los Muertos celebration and Mexico City Game 2024

PHOENIX – Despite a small number of players of Hispanic heritage, the Phoenix Suns and other NBA teams have long had a strong following among Hispanic fans. Now the team and league are reaching out to those fans through theme nights that reflect Hispanic culture.

Catrina dancers before the Miami Heat-Washington Wizards game in Mexico City

Election Tuesday, CFP style: First college football poll of 12-team playoff season makes debut

PHOENIX – With the first CFP rankings coming out Tuesday, here’s what to expect with the new 12-team playoff format. As always, someone won’t be happy.

Rowed display of colorful American football helmets on wooden shelves mounted on a yellow wall.

Adrian Del Castillo in line for designation to key role for Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025

PHOENIX – Catcher Adrian Del Castillo made his MLB debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks in early August. During his first 25 games, he hit four home runs and his bat proved to be MLB ready.

Baseball player in black jersey celebrating, surrounded by exploding ice fragments.

Reigning USL champions Phoenix Rising FC opens back-to-back title quest in New Mexico

PHOENIX – For the second straight year, Phoenix Rising FC faces an uphill battle with every postseason game on the road in their march to claim a second straight USL Championship, a rare feat since 2018.


Tua Tagovailoa’s comeback vs. Arizona Cardinals underscores NFL’s ongoing player safety challenges

PHOENIX – After Tua Tagovailoa’s third concussion, he is back competing, leading many people to worry about his safety in the NFL. Is the league doing enough to protect the players it showcases every week?


Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships celebrates sport and high fashion in record numbers

SCOTTSDALE – At the 13th annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships this past weekend, there was something for everyone: extravagant fashion, dog shows, expensive cars, and yes, some fierce polo matches.


Profit vs. principles: Sports and politics collision creates controversy, opportunity

PHOENIX - Globalization of sports brings potential connections with countries that may not have the best human rights records - how do we hold sports leagues accountable?

NBA commissioner Adam Silver's (left to right) partnership with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to launch the Basketball Africa League in 2019, alongside the merger between Saudi-backed LIV Golf, led by Greg Norman, and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, underscores the ethical issues faced by sports organizations. (Illustration by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)

Arizona State women’s basketball joins improved Big 12 Conference with fresh energy, high expectations

PHOENIX – The Big 12 held its media day ahead of the start of the women’s basketball season, previewing the new teams added this year, including the Sun Devils.

A group of people in sports attire on the sidelines with spectators in the background.

Rebounds and turnovers: GCU men’s basketball eyes improvements, looks to defend WAC title

PHOENIX – GCU men’s basketball played an exhibition game against Eastern New Mexico Tuesday and easily won 87-57. However, the Lopes found many holes in their game that must be filled before their Nov. 4 season opener.

GCU basketball player in white jersey jumping to shoot the ball, with two Eastern New Mexico State players in green jerseys attempting to block, in a crowded arena.

Transfer trio: GCU roller hockey championship team boosted by newcomers from Bethel University

PEORIA – Kawena Lee, Zach Hoffman and Josh Little transferred to Grand Canyon University after the roller hockey program at Bethel University in Tennessee folded due to funding issues. The trio hopes to help the Lopes defend their title.

Roller hockey game with three players on a blue rink, including a goalie and two players in motion.

Arizona Cardinals return home to test momentum vs. heartbroken Chicago Bears

TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals, coming off a tough comeback win over the Miami Dolphins, have their mind set on beating the Chicago Bears, led by the number one overall pick Caleb Williams.

Arizona Cardinals quaterback Kyler Murray in a red uniform, with one arm holding a football.

Arizona Wildcats women’s basketball team determined to prove Big 12 critics wrong in debut season

PHOENIX – The Arizona Wildcats will play their first season in the Big 12 Conference, where they look to surprise everyone after being ranked 7th in the preseason rankings.

Adia Barnes looking towards basketball court with fans behind her in stands.