Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark outlines new-look conference’s vision in meeting with Arizona Board of Regents

PHOENIX – The Big 12 commissioner met with the Arizona Board of Regents to discuss the state of collegiate athletics. Athletic directors from Arizona State University and the University of Arizona were on hand to field questions from the board.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark met with members of the Arizona Board of Regents Thursday to discuss the state of college athletics. (Photo by Joseph Furtado/Cronkite News)

Fashion forward: How the ABA paved the way for NBA style, player expression

PHOENIX — The American Basketball Association's innovative spirit and emphasis on player individuality laid the foundation for the bold and expressive fashion culture seen in the NBA today.

Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic and Devin Booker each bring their unique style to the NBA, blending elegance, flair and modern trends to redefine athlete fashion. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

‘I feel free’: Natasha Cloud embraces fresh start, purpose with Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX – Natasha Cloud was born in Philadelphia and spent her entire WNBA career with the Washington Mystics. Now, one of the league's best passers has found a home on the West Coast. But accepting that she’d be leaving D.C. wasn’t easy.

Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud settles in Phoenix after spending her first eight WNBA seasons with the Washington Mystics. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Magic Johnson pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.’s ASU speech with inspiring address, $75,000 donation

PHOENIX – To honor the 60-year anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech at Arizona State, the school held its first “Building History: Continuing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr” event. Keynote speaker Magic Johnson shared how King’s legacy has impacted his generosity.

Arizona State University Black African Coalition presents 'Fly: The Big Book of Fashion' by Mitchell S. Jackson. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Diamondbacks reliever Andrew Saalfrank suspended 1 year by MLB for sports betting

LOS ANGELES – MLB suspends Diamondbacks reliever Andrew Saalfrank for violating the league's sports betting policy. Additionally the MLB banned Tucupita Marcano permanently for violating the sport’s betting policy and playing in games in which he gambled.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Saalfrank was suspended for one year Tuesday for betting on sports. (Photo courtesy of Alex Weiner/Arizona Sports)

Faith and baseball: Valley Christian’s journey from Dominican Republic fuels 3A state championship run

PHOENIX – Valley Christian's baseball team embarked on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, which strengthened their bond and faith, ultimately leading them to win the state championship.


Honoring heritage: Mercury’s Diana Taurasi pays homage to roots on Dia Latina amid skid-snapping win

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi discusses growing up in a Latina household, how that shaped her loyalty to Phoenix and how the Valley’s strong Hispanic population has led to her long list of successes.

Phoenix Mercury Diana Taurasi hit seven 3-pointers and scored a season-high 31 points against the Los Angeles Sparks at Footprint Center. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Wrestling with fate: How two visionaries elevated professional wrestling in the Valley

PHOENIX – Dom Vitalli and Jon Wolfgang helped transform Arizona’s wrestling landscape by establishing TrainInAZ and Phoenix Championship Wrestling.

Kevin Koa, a pro wrestler based in Mesa, provides entertainment for the growing wrestling fan base in Arizona at a Phoenix Championship Wrestling event. 4(Photo courtesy of Phoenix Championship Wrestling)

‘A long time coming’: Phoenix Mercury players rally behind ‘Unrivaled’ league as game-changer for women’s basketball

PHOENIX – With the launch of the "Unrivaled" league on the horizon, Mercury players like Morgan Bertsch and Sug Sutton see a chance to stay stateside, build careers and shape the future of women's basketball.

Unrivaled, a new women’s basketball league created by WNBA All-Stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, offers an alternative to traveling overseas and addresses the wage gap in women’s basketball. (Photo by Grace Hand/Cronkite News)

Homegrown talent: Arizona connections take center stage in 2024 Women’s College World Series

PHOENIX – Arizona natives Kaitlyn Terry and Viviana Martinez are making significant impacts for UCLA and Texas, respectively, in the 2024 Women’s College World Series, where they are shining a light on local talent from the Valley.

Kaitlyn Terry's strong pitching performance for UCLA in the 2024 Women's College World Series follows a stellar season where she was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

All eyes on Vegas: Phoenix Rising look to build after back-to-back losses

PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising head to Las Vegas after back-to-back losses on the road. Despite going winless during that stretch, coach Danny Stone and the team are confident based on their performances, while knowing where they can improve.

Phoenix Rising winger Panos Armenakas dribbles past a Seattle defender in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. Las Vegas is next for Rising, who went winless on their recent roadtrip. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising)

‘He loved being Bill Walton’: Celebrating the life and legacy of a basketball icon, beloved broadcaster

PHOENIX – The passing of basketball legend Bill Walton, a passionate advocate for the Pac-12 Conference, leaves an irreplaceable legacy in sports and the world at large.

Bill Walton, a legendary figure in basketball and broadcasting, leaves an indelible mark on the sports world with his passing Monday. (Photo courtesy of Tim Sullivan)