Phoenix, AZ, February 2, 2026
Arizona State University’s Women’s Basketball program showcases a remarkable rise in both competitiveness and academic success, enhancing local pride and boosting the economy. Under first-year Head Coach Molly Miller, the team has significantly impacted the economic landscape of Phoenix, generating $99.5 million in GDP. The combination of athletic achievement and community support reveals how collegiate sports play a crucial role in fostering student success and local business vitality.
Phoenix, AZ —
Sun Devil Women’s Basketball Ascends, Igniting Local Economy
Arizona State University’s Women’s Basketball program continues its impressive ascent, demonstrating a blend of competitive spirit and academic rigor that resonates throughout the community. This trajectory of success, highlighted by the program’s consistent performance and the broader growth of Sun Devil Athletics, underscores the significant positive impact university sports have on both regional pride and the state’s economic vitality. The emphasis on individual initiative and robust institutional support has created a dynamic environment where student-athletes thrive, mirroring a commitment to excellence that extends far beyond the court.
The current 2025-2026 season for Arizona State’s Women’s Basketball team, led by first-year Head Coach Molly Miller, illustrates a tangible rise in competitive standing within the demanding Big 12 Conference. This success is not merely a testament to athletic prowess but also reflects the strategic investments and dedicated efforts from the university and its supporters, fostering a culture of achievement and perseverance. Such accomplishments invariably contribute to the robust “Phoenix AZ sports” landscape, drawing attention and resources to the metropolitan area.
The narratives of personal perseverance and team cohesion found within Sun Devil Athletics serve as powerful examples of what can be achieved through focused effort and competitive drive. As these programs gain momentum, they reinforce community strength and illustrate how the pursuit of excellence in collegiate sports can create broader benefits, including economic growth and enhanced civic engagement across the state.
Phoenix’s Economic Engine: The Athletic Impact
The flourishing state of Sun Devil Athletics, including the compelling performance of ASU Women’s Basketball, directly translates into substantial economic benefits for Phoenix and the wider Arizona economy. A recent report revealed that Sun Devil Athletics injects an impressive $99.5 million into Arizona’s gross domestic product (GDP) annually. Notably, the contributions from ASU’s ticketed Olympic sports alone accounted for nearly $45 million of this figure, showcasing the diverse economic footprint of the university’s athletic programs.
Beyond the direct revenue generated by ticket sales and event attendance, Arizona State University’s broader operational and construction expenditures contribute an astounding $6.1 billion to the state’s GDP each year, a figure deemed equivalent to hosting eight major sporting events like the Super Bowl annually. When factoring in comprehensive economic activities, including alumni wages and ASU-affiliated businesses, the university’s total economic impact on the state is estimated to be approximately $32 billion. This data underscores how a strong university athletic program acts as a significant economic catalyst, fueling local businesses, creating jobs, and attracting visitors, further solidifying the importance of “Arizona State University athletics” to the state’s prosperity.
Cultivating Success: Programs and Private Initiative
The sustained success observed in programs like ASU Women’s Basketball is deeply rooted in a blend of strong university programs, vital private investment, and dedicated community efforts. Arizona State University places a high value on developing its student-athletes holistically, ensuring excellence not only in competition but also in academics. This commitment is evidenced by Sun Devil Athletics matching its all-time high Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 93 percent for the third consecutive year in November 2025. The Women’s Basketball team, specifically, achieved a perfect 100 percent GSR for the seventh year in a row, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to academic achievement.
Private initiative and philanthropic endeavors play a critical role in empowering Sun Devil Athletics. Organizations like the Sun Devil Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, serve as the primary fundraising arm, channeling donations to provide essential resources for student-athletes. Furthermore, the Sun Angel Collective, operating as a fund within Charitable Gift America, supports student-athletes in leveraging their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for charitable causes and personal brand development. These avenues of support, ranging from direct donations to brand partnerships, underscore a community-wide belief in fostering responsible growth and competition among student-athletes, enabling them to thrive both on and off the field.
A Legacy of Achievement and Competitive Excellence
Sun Devil Athletics boasts a rich history of competitive excellence, which serves as a foundation for current successes and future aspirations. The university’s athletic teams have collectively secured 147 national championships, including 25 NCAA team titles, with recent triumphs such as the men’s swimming and diving team winning the NCAA championship in 2024. The football program further elevated the university’s profile by qualifying for the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2024, clinching the Big 12 Championship in its first year in the conference.
The current Arizona State Women’s Basketball team stands at an impressive 18-4 overall record (5-5 in Big 12 play) as of February 2, 2026, under Coach Molly Miller’s leadership. Key players like Gabby Elliott, McKinna Brackens, and Heloisa Carrera have been instrumental in the team’s strong performance, contributing significantly to both scoring and rebounding. The team’s recent victory against rival Arizona with a score of 68-61 on January 28, 2026, further exemplifies their competitive spirit and determination. This ongoing success in “college basketball in Phoenix” showcases the enduring value of hard work, discipline, and strategic leadership in collegiate sports.
Briann January’s Enduring Influence and the Future of Sun Devil Athletics
The legacy of former ASU standout Briann January continues to inspire the current generation of Sun Devil Women’s Basketball. As a decorated WNBA champion and All-Star, January’s collegiate foundation at Arizona State was critical to her professional success. Her reflections on her time at ASU and her positive outlook on the “Molly Miller era” highlight the foundational role the university plays in nurturing talent and preparing athletes for advanced competition and leadership roles.
January’s journey from a Sun Devil athlete to a professional champion and now an assistant coach in the WNBA (returning to the Indiana Fever in April 2025) exemplifies the enduring impact of a strong collegiate athletic program. Her story reinforces the importance of competition and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives athletes to excel at every level. The ongoing success of Sun Devil Athletics, fueled by both individual brilliance and collective effort, positions Arizona State University as a cornerstone of athletic achievement and community development.
Conclusion
The current rise of ASU Women’s Basketball and the broader Sun Devil Athletics landscape represent more than just victories on the scoreboard; they embody a powerful testament to individual initiative, responsible growth, and the enduring value of competition. These programs not only cultivate exceptional athletes and scholars but also serve as vital economic engines, significantly contributing to the vibrancy and prosperity of Phoenix and the state of Arizona. The synergy between university leadership, private investment through entities like the Sun Devil Club and Sun Angel Collective, and the unwavering support of the community creates a model for sustained success.
We encourage all citizens to continue engaging with and supporting “Sun Devil Athletics.” By attending games, contributing to athletic funds, and recognizing the achievements of these dedicated student-athletes, the community plays a direct role in fostering future champions and reinforcing the positive economic and social ripple effects that emanate from our local collegiate sports programs. Your support ensures that the spirit of competition and excellence continues to elevate our entire state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the current record of ASU Women’s Basketball for the 2025-2026 season?
A: The current record of ASU Women’s Basketball for the 2025-2026 season is 18-4 overall and 5-5 in Big 12 play.
Q: How much economic impact does Sun Devil Athletics generate for Arizona’s GDP?
A: Sun Devil Athletics generates $99.5 million for Arizona’s gross domestic product.
Q: What is the Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for Sun Devil Athletics?
A: Sun Devil Athletics achieved a 93% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for the third consecutive year.
Q: How many national championships have Sun Devil teams won?
A: Sun Devil teams have won 147 national championships, including 25 NCAA team titles.
Q: What is Briann January’s connection to ASU Women’s Basketball?
A: Briann January is a former ASU standout player whose collegiate foundation at Arizona State was critical to her decorated WNBA career, and she continues to be an influential figure associated with the program.
Feature Table: ASU Women’s Basketball 2025-2026 Season Highlights (State-level)
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 18-4 |
| Conference Record (Big 12) | 5-5 |
| Head Coach | Molly Miller (1st season) |
| Recent Notable Result | Beat Arizona 68-61 on January 28, 2026 |
| Upcoming Game | vs. Kansas State, February 1, 2026 (3:00 P.M. CT) |
| Team Defensive Rating (National Rank) | 79.2 (20th of 363) |
| Women’s Basketball GSR | 100% (7th consecutive year) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
