**Connections: Sports Edition** offers a new spin on the beloved [New York Times word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), specifically tailored for those who are passionate about sports.
Much like its original counterpart *Connections*, the aim is to uncover the “common threads between words.” Similarly to *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-november-15-2024) refreshes daily at midnight, with each puzzle increasing in difficulty. If you find yourself in a jam, we have some suggestions and guidance to assist you.
If you’re simply seeking today’s answer, scroll down to find the solution to the *Connections* puzzle from November 11. However, if you’re inclined to take on the challenge yourself, continue reading for hints, strategies, and advice to aid you.
### What is *Connections: Sports Edition*?
The *New York Times* has collaborated with *The Athletic*, its sports-focused branch, to deliver this new daily word challenge. [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-21-2024) is accessible on both web browsers and mobile devices. The goal is straightforward: organize four words that share a common theme.
Each puzzle features 16 words, and your mission is to classify them into four distinct categories. These categories can range from book titles to software names, or even nations. Although some words may appear to fit together, there is only one accurate group for each set.
Once you successfully identify a group, those words are cleared from the board. Conversely, an incorrect guess counts as a mistake. Players are permitted up to four mistakes before the game concludes.
To facilitate gameplay, players can shuffle the board to identify connections more effectively. Each group is color-coded based on difficulty: yellow is the simplest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like *Wordle*, you have the option to share your results with friends on social media.
### Here’s a hint for today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* categories
In need of a little guidance without giving away the categories? Consider these clues:
– **Yellow**: The cards you’re holding
– **Green**: “Nice” teams
– **Blue**: Anticipate games here soon
– **Purple**: Soccer GOAT rosters
### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* categories
Still looking for a bit more assistance? Here are today’s categories:
– **Yellow**: *Poker Hands*
– **Green**: *Minnesota Teams*
– **Blue**: *Prospective Future Olympic Hosts*
– **Purple**: *Clubs Lionel Messi Has Represented*
### What is the answer to today’s *Connections: Sports Edition*?
Ready for the answer? Here’s the solution to *Connections: Sports Edition* #53:
– **Poker Hands**: *FLUSH, FULL HOUSE, PAIR, STRAIGHT*
– **Minnesota Teams**: *MINNESOTA UNITED, TWINS, VIKINGS, WILD*
– **Prospective Future Olympic Hosts**: *AUSTRALIA, FRANCE, ITALY, UNITED STATES*
– **Clubs Lionel Messi Has Represented**: *ARGENTINA, BARCELONA, INTER MIAMI, PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN*
If you weren’t able to solve it this time, don’t fret! A new *Connections* puzzle will be available tomorrow, and we’ll return with additional hints and tips to assist you.
Looking for today’s *Wordle*? [Here’s the answer to today’s *Wordle*](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-november-16-2024).
If you’re looking for even more puzzles, [Mashable has games](https://games.mashable.com/) to enjoy! Visit our [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and more.