‘Arizona Horizon’ features sports stories in Arizona
Three major Arizona professional sports teams have made their respective championship games in the 2020s, including the Phoenix Suns in 2021, the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023 and the Phoenix Mercury in 2025. Learn more about Arizona’s local teams below, or enjoy more local sports stories such as Pickleball and Parkinsons to stay informed about sports in Arizona.
Watch “Arizona Horizon” weeknights at 5 or 10 p.m. on air, or on our YouTube news channel, AZPBS Now, or catch full episodes online later or on the PBS app.
Investigation into ASU hockey coaching staff after player collapsed
An ASU hockey player collapsed during a team workout on August 20, 2026. Seven players are calling for the coaches to be put on administrative leave and for an outside investigator to seek justice for their teammate, according to a letter sent on September 28, 2026, to ASU President Michael Crow.
Andrés Martinez, Co-Director of ASU’s Great Game Lab, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the controversy.
Cactus League shows record economic impact in 2026
A 2026 Cactus League economic impact report stated this year’s league season generated $495.8 million for Arizona’s Gross Domestic Product.
Bridget Binsbacher, Executive Director at the Cactus League, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the impact of the Seidman Research Institute’s report.
World Cup: Balogun’s red card spotlighted following USA loss
The U.S. lost in a 4-1 rout to Belgium, surrendering the most goals of all teams in the World Cup round of 16. Though the USMNT was hot going into the game against Belgium, there was still a lot of speculation on how far the U.S would make it.
Andrés Martinez, Co-Director of ASU’s Great Game Lab, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the controversy.
Pickleball’s positive impact on Parkinson’s
A new study shows pickleball can have a positive impact on Parkinson’s therapy patients.
Creighton University Health Sciences Campus in Phoenix and Midwestern University in Glendale found that a six-week pickleball program helped individuals with Parkinson’s improve upper limb functions, making routine tasks like buttoning shirts easier.
Jamie Nesbit, PT, DPT and Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Creighton University Health Sciences Campus in Phoenix, and Suzanne O’Neal, PT, DPT and Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Midwestern University College of Health Sciences in Glendale, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the connection between pickleball and Parkinson’s.
The Arizona Cardinals empower students off the field
The Arizona Cardinals’ Civics Matter program cultivates year-round civic education for Title I high school students. The program connects civic knowledge to real-world decision-making and leadership, aimed at shaping future leaders.
Shaun Mayo, Arizona Cardinals Chief People Officer, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss how the initiative is shaping the state’s next generation of leaders.
NCAA women’s basketball mural
A new mural has been unveiled in Downtown Phoenix, celebrating the impact of women’s sports, featuring four local student-athletes. The piece, titled “We Got Next,” was commissioned by Downtown Phoenix Inc. and celebrated the 2026 Women’s Final Four.
Antoinette Cauley, a local Fine Artist, Tahjie “TT” Freeman, a freshman at North High School, and Kolbi Brooks, a freshman at Desert Vista High School, joined “Arizona Horizon” to talk about the mural.
The Arizona Diamondbacks gear up for 29th season
The Arizona Diamondbacks began their 29th season with an early-season sweep of the Detroit Tigers.
This season, H.B. 2704 has taken effect. This bill allocates $500 million in tax money for improvements at Chase Field. It redirects 82% of the state income tax collected from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the stadium for repairs and maintenance.
Steve Mullins, Executive Vice President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the season.
U.S. hockey teams win gold, face unequal attention
There was growing frustration over the greater respect and attention given to the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team over the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team, despite both winning gold medals at the 2026 Olympics.
Both the U.S. men’s and women’s ice hockey teams each defeated Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, earning their gold medals and marking the first time both teams have won gold in the same Olympics.
Victoria L. Jackson, PhD, Sports Historian and Association Clinical Professor at ASU, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss these wins and the controversy surrounding them.
