Friendship, fierce competition drive ASU men’s golfers Josele Ballester and Preston Summerhays in NCAA title chase

PHOENIX – Arizona State University men’s golfers Josele Ballester and Preston Summerhays, top world amateur golfers and roommates, leverage their unique backgrounds and close bond to drive their ambitions toward an NCAA championship.

Preston Summerhays mid swing on a golf course

Championship fever? Basha Bears charging toward football state title under coach Chris McDonald

CHANDLER – It’s state championship or bust for the Basha Bears, who are off to another hot start after last year's heartbreaking state semifinal loss.

Close up photo of Coach Chris McDonald looking ahead

Diana Taurasi ponders future, Sophie Cunningham signs extension as Phoenix Mercury brace for WNBA playoffs

PHOENIX – With the 2024 WNBA Playoffs about to start, the Phoenix Mercury have signed guard Sophie Cunningham for another year, but will the postseason also be a retirement party for the legendary Diana Taurasi?

Diana Taurasi and Sophie Cunningham seated at a press conference table with microphones, in front of a backdrop featuring repeated logos and the word "Footprint."

The rise of Guardian Caps: Protecting players, reducing concussions but facing pushback

PHOENIX – Guardian Caps have shown promise in decreasing head injuries but face mixed reactions from players, coaches and experts regarding its effectiveness.

ASU star Cam Skattebo wearing Guardian Cap

Faith, family and football: Brophy College Prep star Cree Thomas proves he’s more than stats

PHOENIX – Following in the footsteps of former teammate Ben Morrison, cornerback Cree Thomas is heading from Brophy College Prep to Notre Dame for football. But his character and faith-based lifestyle speak louder than his play.

Brophy College Prep defensive back Cree Thomas moving on the football field.

Another magic moment? Phoenix Rising FC looks to replicate 2023 championship run

PHOENIX – Rising have had an up-and-down season, but the numbers eerily replicate last year. With just eight games left in the regular season, Phoenix Rising looks to defend its USL title.

Phoenix Rising FC players and coaches huddled on the field with a stadium full of spectators in the background.

NASCAR Cup champion Ryan Blaney returns to Phoenix Raceway as track embraces community engagement

AVONDALE – NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney and other rising stars came to Phoenix Raceway for a charity event. The track honored the Drive for Diversity program and announced a partnership with the Fighter Country Foundation, which will honor those who serve at Luke Air Force Base.

Ryan Blaney in a white T-shirt in front of a NASCAR Championship Weekend Phoenix promotional banner.

Signs of the times: Arizona State football implements coach-to-player communication system

TEMPE – In the wake of Connor Stalions’ sign-stealing scandal at Michigan, the NCAA permitted FBS schools to use coach-to-player wireless communication. Arizona State is among the programs using the technology this season.

Close-up of two Arizona State football helmets with a Sun Devils design on the side. With a green dot on the back of the helmet indicates that the helmet is equipped with a communication device.

Betting boom: Arizona sports wagering poised for another record NFL season

PHOENIX – As the American Gaming Association projects record-breaking money to be wagered on the NFL this season, the Arizona Department of Gaming and local sportsbooks are prepared for increased wagers in-person and online.

Brick building in Phoenix, AZ with large glass windows and "Caesars Sportsbook" signs above and beside the entrance.

Road to a repeat: Phoenix Rising FC fighting to hold playoff position after Sacramento setback

PHOENIX – Resurgent defending USL champion Phoenix Rising FC remains in the playoff hunt, despite a rough start to the season, thanks to some key player acquisitions and a coaching change.

Phoenix Rising FC soccer team celebrating with a trophy in front of a "Champions" banner at night.

‘Let’s do it again’: Phoenix Mercury aim to channel 2014 championship spirit for another title

PHOENIX – Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner are the only threads connecting the Mercury to their last WNBA championship team. During a ceremony to celebrate that 2014 title, Taurasi told fans, “Let’s do it again.”

A group of five Phoenix Mercury members seated on stage chairs under focused lighting, with two covering their faces, one smiling, and a child holding a stuffed animal.

Never forgotten: Tucsonans honor fallen first responders at 9/11 Tower Challenge

TUCSON – Tucson firefighters, police officers and citizens came together at the Tucson Convention Center, climbing more than 2,000 steps to honor fallen heroes at the 9/11 Tower Challenge.

Members of the Tucson Fire Department firefighters in protective gear walk single file down a stairway in a large indoor arena with empty and occupied seats.