NYT Connections Sports Version: Clues and Solutions for January 1, 2026

Today’s Connections: Sports Edition will be simpler if you have a background in collegiate sports.

This iteration of the beloved New York Times word game assesses sports enthusiasts’ understanding.

<pSimilar to the original Connections, the game emphasizes uncovering “common links among words.” Like Wordle, Connections refreshes at midnight, with each new batch of words becoming increasingly difficult. We’ve included hints and suggestions to assist you in tackling the challenge.

If you’re looking for the solution to today’s puzzle, jump to the conclusion of this article. Otherwise, keep reading for hints, advice, and tactics to support you.

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What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT‘s newest daily word game is introduced in partnership with The Athletic, the New York Times entity for sports journalism. Connections is accessible on web browsers and mobile gadgets, demanding players to cluster four words that have a shared theme.

Each puzzle features 16 words split into four categories. These groups can encompass anything from book titles to software names or country designations. While several words might appear to fit, only one arrangement is correct.

If a player accurately selects all four words in a category, those words are eliminated from the board. An incorrect guess counts as a mistake, and players are allowed up to four mistakes before the game concludes.

Players can rearrange and shuffle the board to discover connections more easily. Each group is color-coded: yellow is the simplest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the outcomes with friends on social platforms.