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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)

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)

Coconino official tells House ‘anti-ESG’ bills threaten public investments

WASHINGTON - Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar told House lawmakers Tuesday that it's her job to get the best, and safest, return on public investments for taxpayers, but that "anti-ESG" legislation puts public dollars at risk.


Latest student debt-relief plan could mean $1 billion for 20,000 in Arizona

WASHINGTON – More than 20,000 Arizona residents would see $1 billion in student debt erased under a Biden administration plan unveiled just two weeks after the Supreme Court struck down a previous debt-forgiveness plan.


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.


How Flagstaff, a once quaint town, transformed into capital of running world

FLAGSTAFF – For many, Flagstaff is known as the running capital of the world. A look at how it got there and how it helped create one of the best-kept secrets among collegiate sports dynasties: the Northern Arizona University men’s cross-country team.

Many runners come to Flagstaff for the high-altitude training. Rachel Schneider often ran through Buffalo Park to train for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Arizona advocates fear long-term impact of court’s discrimination ruling

WASHINGTON - Advocates say a Supreme Court ruling that struck down anti-discrimination protections will likely have little immediate impact in Arizona - beyond confusion - but they worry it opens the door to abuses down the road.


Crane’s use of ‘colored people’ in House debate brings swift condemnation

WASHINGTON - Reaction to Rep. Eli Crane's use of the term "colored people" during a House floor debate included "utter shock" and calling it a "dog whistle to white nationalists." What it did not include was much defense for the Oro Valley GOP freshman, who said he misspoke.