
Lina Washington Biography: Emmy-Winning Sports Anchor at 12News Phoenix
Lina Washington is an Emmy Award-winning sports anchor, reporter, and multi-skilled journalist based in Phoenix, Arizona.
She currently works at 12News (KPNX-TV), the NBC affiliate in Phoenix, where she covers sports across all shows and platforms.
Her reporting highlights major local teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, and Arizona State Sun Devils.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Phoenix, Washington developed a passion for sports early on, inspired by her late father, Robert Edward Washington Jr., with whom she often shared late-night phone calls after big games.
She graduated from Corona del Sol High School in Tempe before earning a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
While at ASU, she spent four years on the university’s Dance Team and Spirit Squad, embodying the energy and teamwork that would later define her journalism career.
Early Career
Washington began her professional journey in 2013 at KGET, the NBC affiliate in Bakersfield, California, as a weekend sports anchor and weekday news reporter.
Within a year, she was promoted to Sports Director, a role she held for nearly four years.
During her time there, she covered everything from Kern County high school athletics to major events like NFL Training Camps and the NCAA Elite Eight in Los Angeles.
Her dedication and engaging on-air presence earned praise from colleagues, who described her as hardworking, driven, and full of potential.
Time at KXTV (ABC10) in Sacramento
In July 2017, Washington joined KXTV (ABC10), a TEGNA-owned ABC affiliate in Sacramento, as a sports anchor and reporter.
Over the next four years, she became a familiar face to viewers, delivering compelling coverage of both local and national sports stories.
In June 2020, she shared the deeply personal story of her father’s passing from COVID-19 complications after contracting the virus while working at an Arizona casino.
His death, compounded by concerns over medical coverage for his insulin needs, motivated Washington to speak out about healthcare access and policy reforms in Arizona.
She bid an emotional on-air farewell to ABC10 in June 2021, closing an impactful chapter of her career in Sacramento.
Return to Phoenix and Current Role
That same month, Washington returned to her hometown to join 12News (KPNX) as a sports anchor, reporter, and multi-skilled journalist.
She has since continued to bring her signature passion and energy to Arizona sports coverage, inspiring viewers with her storytelling and community engagement.
Beyond the newsroom, Washington co-founded Boards for Change, a community art initiative launched in Sacramento that transformed boarded-up storefronts into powerful messages of hope and solidarity.
As of 2025, she remains at 12News, committed to elevating Arizona sports stories and making a positive impact both on and off the air.
Lina Washington Age
Lina Washington Parents and Siblings
Lina Washington was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona—a city that has shaped both her personal life and professional journey.
Her father, Robert Washington, a former University of Notre Dame basketball player, played a pivotal role in nurturing her love for sports.
From watching NBA games together to cheering for the Phoenix Suns, he became the spark behind her passion for storytelling in sports journalism.
Though her parents divorced when she was young, they remained close friends and unwavering supporters of her ambitions. Her mother’s name has not been publicly disclosed.
Relationship with Her Father
Lina shared a deep, affectionate bond with her father, who was her greatest source of encouragement.
One of her most treasured memories is attending Suns games with him—captured in a photo of the two together, her father in a tuxedo and Lina in a tracksuit, on their way to a game.
In June 2020, tragedy struck when Robert passed away from complications related to COVID-19.
He had recently overcome prostate cancer and was managing diabetes, both of which left him more vulnerable to the virus.
Lina documented his final days with raw honesty, including an emotional hour-long interview she recorded during her last visit home for her 30th birthday.
Mother and Siblings
Lina’s mother has been a quiet yet constant presence in her life and career. Colleagues recall seeing both parents proudly watching her deliver sports segments during her time at ABC10.
Lina also has at least one sister, who was the one to share the news of their father’s positive COVID-19 test. She has chosen to keep further details about her siblings private.
Personal Values
Lina’s upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of resilience, determination, and the importance of family.
Her father’s legacy continues to guide her work, fueling her commitment to public health advocacy, workplace safety, and community awareness—principles that now underpin both her life and her journalism.
Lina Washington Husband
Washington keeps her personal life private, and there is no publicly available information confirming a husband, partner, or romantic relationship.
Lina Washington Height
Lina Washington is estimated to stand between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 7 inches (165–170 cm) tall, as multiple sources list both figures.
She is believed to weigh approximately 130 to 145 pounds (59–66 kg), which aligns with her athletic build as a sports journalist.
Her estimated body measurements are 34–36 inches (bust), 26–28 inches (waist), and 36–38 inches (hips), reflecting a fit and balanced physique.
Additionally, her shoe size is thought to be between US 8–9 (EU 38–40), which is a common range for women of her height.
Lina Washington 12News: Career Timeline
Lina Washington began her career at KGET (NBC affiliate) in Bakersfield, California, where she served as sports director, covering local events including high school sports and the Bakersfield Condors hockey team.
In July 2017, she joined ABC10 (KXTV) in Sacramento, California, as a sports anchor and reporter, earning Emmy awards for her work.
In June 2021, she left ABC10 to return to her hometown, joining 12News (KPNX) in Phoenix, Arizona, as a sports reporter and anchor, where she continues to cover major leagues and local stories.
Time / Period | Role / Place | Notes |
---|---|---|
Education | Arizona State University (Cronkite School) | Graduated, major in Journalism & Mass Communications. |
Early Career | KGET, Bakersfield, CA (NBC affiliate) | She started her journalism/broadcasting work there, covering local sports etc. |
Then | 17 News, Bakersfield as Sports Director | Covered high school sports, NFL training camps, NCAA events etc. |
July 2017 – ~2021 | ABC10 / KXTV, Sacramento | Worked as Sports Anchor / Reporter, hosted “Toyota Sports Extra,” developed “Sports Standout,” etc. |
June 2021 → Present | 12News in Phoenix | Reporter / Sports Anchor, working across platforms. |
Special Coverage | NBA Finals, Super Bowl LIV, other major sports events | Notable reporting assignments include the 2019 NBA Finals, 49ers’ Super Bowl run, etc. |
Colleagues at 12News (KPNX)
Lina joined Team 12 in June 2021. The 12News team includes:
- Mark Curtis – Anchor
- Caribe Devine – Meteorologist/Anchor
- Ryan Cody – Sports Anchor
- Brahm Resnik – Political Reporter
- Rachel Cole – Anchor/Reporter
These colleagues contribute across various platforms, and Lina collaborates with them on sports coverage and multimedia storytelling.
Lina Washington Net Worth and Salary
Lina Washington’s annual salary is estimated to range between $45,500 and $110,500, based on industry standards for sports anchors in similar markets. Her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated through her journalism career, including Emmy-winning roles at multiple stations.
Is Lina Washington Married?
Lina Washington is not publicly known to be married, as she maintains privacy about her personal relationships with no confirmation.
How Old Is Lina Washington?
Where Is Lina Washington?
Lina Washington is currently a sports anchor, reporter, and multi-skilled journalist at 12News (KPNX-TV) in Phoenix, Arizona.
She joined Team 12 in June 2021, returning to her hometown after several years at ABC10 (KXTV) in Sacramento.
At 12News, she contributes across all shows and platforms, delivering in-depth coverage of major sports stories while also championing community-driven journalism.
Her move back to Phoenix not only marked a professional milestone but also a personal homecoming to the city where her roots run deep.
Summary Table:
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Lina Washington |
Age (as of 2025) | 35 years (born in 1990) |
Ethnicity / Nationality | African American / American |
Hometown | Phoenix, Arizona |
Education | Arizona State University – Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism); former member of ASU Dance Team and Spirit Squad |
Parents | Father: Robert Edward Washington Jr. (former University of Notre Dame basketball player, deceased 2020); Mother: Name not public |
Siblings | At least one sister (name private) |
Relationship with Father | Very close; he inspired her passion for sports journalism. Passed away in June 2020 from COVID-19 complications. |
Marital Status | Not publicly known to be married |
Estimated Height | 5 ft 5 in – 5 ft 7 in (165–170 cm) |
Estimated Weight | 130–145 lbs (59–66 kg) |
Estimated Measurements | Bust: 34–36 in · Waist: 26–28 in · Hips: 36–38 in |
Shoe Size (Estimated) | US 8–9 (EU 38–40) |
Early Career | KGET (NBC, Bakersfield, CA) – Weekend Sports Anchor / Weekday Reporter → Promoted to Sports Director, covered high school sports, NFL camps, NCAA Elite Eight |
ABC10 (KXTV) Sacramento | 2017–2021 – Sports Anchor/Reporter at ABC10 (KXTV), hosted “Toyota Sports Extra,” created “Sports Standout,” covered 2019 NBA Finals, Super Bowl LIV etc. |
12News (KPNX) Phoenix | 2021–Present – Sports Anchor/Reporter, covering Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State Sun Devils |
Community Work | Co-founded Boards for Change in Sacramento, turning boarded-up storefronts into art with messages of hope and solidarity |
Salary Estimate | $45,500 – $110,500 annually |
Net Worth Estimate | $1 million – $5 million |
Current Location | Phoenix, Arizona (working at 12News) |
Lina Washington is active on social media.
She regularly shares updates about her work, sports coverage, and community involvement on platforms like:
- Instagram: @lwashingtontv
- X (formerly Twitter): @LWashingtonTV
Sources
-
12News Official Bio – Primary professional profile: 12News – Lina Washington
-
Muck Rack Profile – Verified articles and contact: Muck Rack – Lina Washington
-
AZ Central Feature (2022) – Homecoming story: AZCentral – Lina Washington
-
12News Career Bio – Timeline details: 12News – Career Timeline
-
LinkedIn Profile – Early career and professional history: LinkedIn – Lina Washington
-
Sacramento Bee Article (2021) – Departure from KXTV: SacBee – Lina Washington
-
The Desk News (2021) – Move to Phoenix: The Desk – Lina Washington
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.