**Connections: Sports Edition – A Fresh Challenge for Sports Aficionados**
*Connections: Sports Edition* is a thrilling new take on the beloved [*New York Times* word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), crafted specifically to challenge the knowledge of sports fans.
Much like the classic *Connections*, the objective of the game is to discover the “common threads among words.” Similar to *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-november-2-2024) refreshes daily at midnight, with each new puzzle becoming increasingly difficult. But no need to fret—we have some useful tips and tricks to assist you through the more challenging puzzles.
If you’re simply seeking today’s solution, don’t hesitate to scroll down to the bottom of this article for the *Connections* answer for October 28. However, if you’d like to tackle it independently, continue reading for hints, tips, and tactics to support you on your journey.
—
### What is *Connections: Sports Edition*?
The *New York Times* has teamed up with *The Athletic*, its sports-centric entity, to unveil this newest daily word game. [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-21-2024) can be accessed on both web browsers and mobile devices. What’s the aim? To categorize four words with a shared theme.
Every puzzle showcases 16 words, which need to be divided into four groups. These groups may range from book titles to app names, countries, and beyond. While several words might appear to fit together, there is only one correct grouping for each set.
Upon correctly identifying a group of four words, those words get removed from the board. However, an incorrect guess counts as a mistake. Players can make up to four mistakes before the game concludes.
To facilitate gameplay, players can shuffle and reorganize the board to help identify connections. Moreover, each group is color-coded: yellow for the simplest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like *Wordle*, you can share your results with friends via social media.
—
### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Hints
In need of a little nudge in the right direction without giving away all the answers? Here are a few hints for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** *Desert sports*
– **Green:** *Teams that were close to victory*
– **Blue:** *Namesakes*
– **Purple:** *Icons of the Big Game*
—
### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
Still seeking a bit more assistance? Here are today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Arizona teams
– **Green:** WNBA Playoff Participants
– **Blue:** Notable Williamses
– **Purple:** Super Bowl Halftime Entertainers
—
### The Answer to Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition*
Ready for the answer? This is your last opportunity to back out if you want to solve the puzzle on your own.
Drumroll, please!
The solution for *Connections: Sports Edition* #40 is:
– **Arizona teams:** CARDINALS, DIAMONDBACKS, MERCURY, WILDCATS
– **WNBA Playoff Participants:** ACES, LIBERTY, LYNX, SUN
– **Notable Williamses:** BERNIE, CALEB, TED, VENUS
– **Super Bowl Halftime Entertainers:** DRE, MARS, PETTY, PRINCE
—
Don’t be disheartened if you didn’t solve it this time! A new *Connections* puzzle will arrive tomorrow, and we’ll return with further hints and strategies to assist you.
—
Craving more puzzles? [Mashable’s games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) features a wide array of games, such as Mahjong, Sudoku, and free crosswords. If you’re also engaging with *NYT Strands*, [check out today’s hints and answers](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-november-2).
Missed yesterday’s *Connections*? [Here’s the solution](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-november-2).