Michael Carbajal, Phoenix boxing icon, leaves timeless mark on Valley’s fighting scene and beyond

PHOENIX – Born and raised in Phoenix, Michael Carbajal stands as Arizona's greatest boxer, celebrated for his Olympic success in 1988 and numerous title triumphs. Legendary figures from the boxing world reflect on his illustrious career and immense contributions to the sport.

Michael Carbajal celebrates after knocking Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez to the canvas in the 1993 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year. Carbajal would win the fight, unifying two junior flyweight titles and earning Ring Magazine’s 1993 Fighter of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Michael Carbajal)

Can Griner & Co. turn Mercury’s season around behind back-to-back wins?

PHOENIX – After a 2-11 start, the Phoenix Mercury are 4-4 in their last eight games and 2-0 since the All-Star break. Is tanking officially out of the question for the streaking Mercury?


Tucson ruling on transgender athletes puts Arizona at center of debate about biology, psychology and fairness

PHOENIX – A ruling by a federal judge in Tucson Thursday gave the green light to let transgender girls play on teams consistent with their gender identity, stirring a debate has reached a crescendo in recent months. But the outcry has ignored the nuances of what many experts say is a complicated and layered issue that deserves more research and thoughtful conversation about the biology and psychology of these athletes.


From Tempe to Auckland: Arizona State’s Gabi Rennie triumphs as New Zealand claims first World Cup win

TEMPE – Less than 700 miles away from her hometown of Christchurch, ASU forward Gabi Rennie ran onto the pitch in front of over 40,000 fans in the 94th minute to help the Football Ferns in its first senior World Cup victory.

Arizona State women's soccer forward Gabi Rennie celebrates her momentous debut and New Zealand's first win in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in front of a roaring home crowd of over 40,000 fans at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier launch Unrivaled league to revolutionize WNBA’s offseason play under prioritization clause

LAS VEGAS – Former UConn teammates turned WNBA stars are looking to investors for a new 3-on-3 league in Miami during the WNBA offseason. The idea is a direct response to the WNBA’s prioritization rule and a growing fear of traveling to play overseas.

Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier unveiled their game-changing women's basketball league, Unrivaled. The former UConn teammates aim to reshape the offseason landscape for WNBA players. (Photos by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

A peek into the world of celebrity row at the 2023 NBA Summer League

LAS VEGAS – Summer league is more than an opportunity for players to earn roster spots in the NBA. It’s 11 days of celebrity sighting in these Las Vegas arenas.

Former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez and girlfriend Jaclyn Cordeiro sit courtside at the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves game. (Photo by Taylyn Hadley/Cronkite News)

Pride Night in sports stirs divisive reactions among athletes, leagues and LGBTQ community

PHOENIX – As the celebration and importance of Pride nights in sports face challenges from professional athletes and programs, organizations are confronted with the question of how to progress in hosting future events amidst the presence of trailblazers and protesters.

In the face of challenges, courageous athletes and advocates unite under the rainbow banner and remain determined to make Pride Night an enduring symbol of equality and progress in the world of sports. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Arizona State coaches grapple with unregulated terrain of NIL and transfer portal

TEMPE – Before Name, Image and Likeness deals were OK'd by the NCAA in July 2022, Arizona State coaches focused more on recruiting and less on retaining. The transfer portal existed, but rules and regulations made its impact minimal over a long stretch of time.

Arizona State coaches Kenny Dillingham, left, Bobby Hurley, middle, and Willie Bloomquist face new offseason challenges due to NIL and the transfer portal in the evolving landscape of college athletics. (Illustration by Spencer Durose/Cronkite News)

Divorce complete: Diamondbacks split with Bally Sports Arizona, MLB takes over

PHOENIX – Fans will no longer see Diamondbacks games on Bally Sports Arizona, setting the stage for MLB to take over.


ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham sets sights on building united, passionate program ahead of 2023 season

TEMPE – New ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham is emphasizing culture and tradition for the upcoming season. With preparations underway, the program is poised for a fresh start under his leadership.

Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham spoke with reporters Monday about his focused approach to overhauling the program in his first year at the helm. (Video screenshot by Erin Patterson/Cronkite News)

Brittney Griner a star among WNBA All-Stars in emotional return

LAS VEGAS – The WNBA dedicated last year’s All-Star Game to Brittney Griner during her imprisonment in Russia. This year, Griner grabbed the spotlight on and off the court as the entire WNBA community celebrated her presence and upbeat attitude in the national spotlight.


Phoenix Mercury aiming to make 2024 WNBA All-Star Game ‘best ever’

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury will host the WNBA All-Star game for the third time in history, and Suns owner Matt Ishbia and CEO Josh Bartelstein say they want to make it the best ever.