*Connections: Sports Edition* is a fresh twist on the beloved *New York Times* word game intended to challenge sports fans. Like the original *Connections*, the game focuses on uncovering “shared links among words.” Much like *Wordle*, *Connections* resets every midnight, with each new word set becoming increasingly difficult—hence, we’ve compiled some hints and tips to assist you.

If you wish to find today’s puzzle solution, jump to the end of this article. If not, keep reading for clues, tips, and tactics.

**What is Connections Sports Edition?**

The *NYT*’s new daily word game, developed in partnership with *The Athletic*, is accessible on both web browsers and mobile platforms. Players are tasked with grouping four words that have a similar theme.

Each puzzle is made up of 16 words split into four categories. These sets can range from book titles to software names or countries. Though multiple words might seem appropriate together, only one correct combination exists.

Successfully identifying all four words in a group eliminates them from the board. A wrong guess counts as a mistake—players have a maximum of four mistakes before the game concludes.

Participants can rearrange and shuffle the board to better recognize links. Each group is marked by color: yellow signifies the simplest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Similar to *Wordle*, results can be shared via social media.

**Here’s a hint for today’s Connections Sports Edition categories**

Want a nudge regarding the categories without giving them away? Consider these:

– **Yellow:** Racket actions
– **Green:** Sports movies
– **Blue:** College affiliations
– **Purple:** Identical second word

**Here are today’s Connections Sports Edition categories**

Need additional assistance? Today’s connections are:

– **Yellow:** Tennis strokes
– **Green:** Hockey films
– **Blue:** Live university mascots
– **Purple:** ___ baseball

Searching for today’s *Wordle*? [Here’s the solution to today’s *Wordle.*](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-september-14-2025)

Ready for the answers? This is your final opportunity to tackle today’s puzzle before the solutions are disclosed.

Drumroll, please!

The answer to today’s *Connections Sports Edition* #356 is:

– Tennis strokes – **BACKHAND, DROP, SLICE, SMASH**
– Hockey films – **MIRACLE, MYSTERY, ALASKA, SLAP SHOT, THE MIGHTY DUCKS**
– Live university mascots – **BEVO, SIR BIG SPUR, SMOKEY, UGA**
– ____ baseball – **BACKYARD, FANTASY, INSIDE, MAJOR LEAGUE**

Don’t be disheartened if you weren’t able to guess right this time. New *Connections* will be released tomorrow, and we’ll return with more useful hints.

Are you also engaging with NYT Strands? [Check hints and answers for today’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-september-14-2025)

If you’re on the lookout for more puzzles, Mashable has games ready! Visit our [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword puzzles, and more.

Not the day you’re looking for? [Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Connections.](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-september-14-2025)