‘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)

Coaches, community leaders strive to improve Arizona’s poor numbers in youth sports participation

PHOENIX – Although youth sports participation is declining on a national level, many leagues in Arizona remain confident their numbers are rising.

Having coaches teach social and emotional learning skills early is important. Lessons like teamwork and good sportsmanship will be valuable later in life, experts say. (File photo by Christian Quezada/Special for Cronkite News)

Despite first home loss, Phoenix Mercury remain confident as they embark on road trip

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury suffered their first home loss of the season to the Dallas Wings, but they move forward expectantly and encouraged entering their first extended road trip of the season.

Phoenix guard Kahleah Copper sinks a 3-pointer Saturday against Dallas, contributing to her 32-point performancethat helped her surpass 3,000 career points. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

A Pac of goodbyes: ASU baseball loss likely means end of conference era

SCOTTSDALE – Emotions filled Scottsdale Stadium after Arizona State’s loss to Oregon State in the Pac-12 Baseball Tournament. Coaches and fans mourned the end of the Pac-12 era.

Arizona State outfielder Isaiah Jackson strikes out to end a 3-2 loss in the Pac-12 Baseball Tournament and dash the Sun Devils' hopes of earning an NCAA Tournament berth. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Mercury rolling to start 2024 WNBA season in Brittney Griner’s absence

PHOENIX – Despite Brittney Griner’s absence, the Phoenix Mercury are surprising fans with their performance behind Kahleah Copper’s prolific scoring for the team.

Kahleah Copper is averaging 31.3 points per game for the Phoenix Mercury and is a key to their strong 2-1 start. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

6 months later, ASU names an athletic director: Graham Rossini

TEMPE – Arizona State graduate Graham Rossini was officially introduced as the school’s new athletic director Thursday at Mountain America Stadium. He was president Michael Crow’s only interview.

Graham Rossini was introduced as Arizona State’s new athletic director Thursday at Mountain America Stadium. “I don’t take this opportunity lightly,” he said. (Photo courtesy of PHNX Sports)

Phoenix Suns unveil Valley Suns as new G League affiliate, home games set for Mullett Arena

TEMPE – The Phoenix Suns officially introduced their new G League affiliate team, the Valley Suns, who will play their home games at Mullett Arena in downtown Tempe.

Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein, right, share details about the Valley’s new G League team Wednesday at Mullett Arena as NBA G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim, left, and Suns announcer Tom Leander look on. (Photo by Jack Barlett/Cronkite News)

Playing beyond limits: Coyotes Sled Hockey empowering disabled athletes through inclusive ice hockey

SCOTTSDALE – With the Arizona Coyotes’ relocation to Utah, the future of Coyotes Sled Hockey is unclear. However, the organization’s ability to change lives can not be ignored.

Members of Coyotes Sled Hockey gather for a team huddle at practice, where they exude the spirit of unity and teamwork. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Gromer)

ASU’s chances for NCAA baseball tournament bid suffers blow after Stanford loss

SCOTTSDALE – A late rally by Arizona State was not enough Tuesday in the Pac-12 Baseball Tournament. The Sun Devils fell 8-7 and are poised to miss their third straight NCAA Tournament.

Arizona State’s Connor Markl starts the day on the mound and has a solid three innings before giving up a home run to the leadoff batter in the fourth. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)