Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona to compete at inaugural Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament in November

PHOENIX – The Intersport Basketball Division announced the dates for the inaugural Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament. The field features eight teams, including GCU and NAU, and will take place in Glendale.

Northern Arizona coach Shane Burcar, left, and Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew will face a step up in competition at the Arizona Tip-Off, where a strong showing could factor into a potential NCAA tournament bid. (Left photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Right photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana/Getty Images)

Mercury’s early-season woes continue as Brittney Griner injures hip in loss to Seattle Storm

PHOENIX – The severity of Brittney Griner’s injury isn’t known yet, but it’s clear the Mercury have room to improve from a 2-6 start to the season. Which areas are hurting them most?

The Phoenix Mercury trail most of the WNBA in key statistical categories on defense. The team's defensive numbers could dip even lower after Brittney Griner's injury in Tuesday's loss to the Seattle Storm. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Dre Brown, barber for many out-of-town athletes, built business from a mother’s gift

SCOTTSDALE – From NBA star Jamal Murray to NFL star DK Metcalf, Mug and Mane owner Dre Brown is the go-to Scottsdale barber for many celebrities and athletes. From a Christmas present, Brown found his love for cutting hair and using his gift to help others.

Dre Brown, who opened Mug and Mane Barber Lounge in Scottsdale in July 2018, inspires the community through haircuts and fundraising. (Photo by Bobby Murphy/Cronkite News)

After success at GCU, ASU beach volleyball coach Kristen Rohr ready to elevate program

TEMPE – Wins and losses in the sand are the ultimate reflectors of job performance in beach volleyball. New ASU coach Kristen Rohr hopes to be known for the relationships she builds, too.

Arizona State beach volleyball coach Kristen Rohr transformed GCU from a start-up program to a championship contender. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

Salt Lake? Houston? As Tempe shuts down arena proposal, courtship of Arizona Coyotes picks up

TEMPE – The Coyotes have committed to playing at Mullet Arena in Tempe for at least another year, but possibilities for a permanent home include Mesa and potentially Salt Lake City, Utah.


Arizona Cardinals put focus on building team chemistry as OTAs conclude

TEMPE – Conducting OTA workouts at their training facility in Tempe, the Cardinals continued ironing out the natural kinks that come with a new coaching staff and new players.

Arizona Cardinals offensive linemen Julién Davenport, left, and Paris Johnson Jr. observe drills during Wednesday's OTAs. Selected sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Johnson is projected to start this season. (Photo by Bobby Murphy/Cronkite News)

From transfers to high school stars, Arizona well-represented in Women’s College World Series

PHOENIX – The Women’s College World Series features a strong Arizona presence with players from Sandra Day O’Connor High School and transfers from Arizona State.

Jocey Erickson (left), Coach Hobson (center) and Grace Lyons (right) reunited at Getterman Stadium in Waco, Texas for a game against Baylor. (Photo courtesy of David Erickson, Jocey’s father)

LIV Golf, PGA Tour merger bring money, power and ethics to forefront

PHOENIX – In a move that shook up the golf world, LIV Golf and the PGA Tour reached an agreement to merge the rival organizations. The move brought plenty of backlash and even more questions.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said the organization's decision to merge with LIV Golf was "in the best interest of all of the members of the PGA Tour." (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Quite Frank-ly, Vogel checks every box to take Phoenix Suns to championship level

PHOENIX – Frank Vogel addressed the Valley for the first time Tuesday in an introductory press conference as new Suns coach with GM James Jones.

Frank Vogel won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and was twice named an NBA All-Star Game coach. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Suns)

All-Star Game voting opens with 8 Arizona Diamondbacks candidates listed on ballot

PHOENIX – MLB released the All-Star candidates available for voting Wednesday, and the Arizona Diamondbacks have eight players on the list. Here’s where they stand as they campaign to make the trip to T-Mobile Park in Seattle.


Stars in the Valley? Phoenix City Council favors hosting NBA, WNBA showcases in near future

PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council will be working with the Suns and Mercury to place bids for the NBA and WNBA for hosting future All-Star games after a unanimous vote during Wednesday’s city council meeting.

Phoenix last hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2009, when Footprint Center transformed into a stage for the league's biggest stars. After the Phoenix City Council's 9-0 vote Wednesday to support its return, the showcase could return in 2025. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Sug-ar on top: Phoenix Mercury’s Sutton turning heads in WNBA return

PHOENIX – After being released by the Washington Mystics in 2021, Sug Sutton spent two years working her way back to the WNBA. Now, she is taking advantage of every opportunity to stand out with the Phoenix Mercury.

Phoenix Mercury guard Sug Sutton has excelled in her first WNBA season since 2021, averaging 12.3 points off the bench through the first three games of the regular season. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)