NYT Connections Sports Edition: Clues and Solutions for March 9


**Connections: Sports Edition – A Fresh Challenge for Sports Aficionados**

*Connections: Sports Edition* offers a new angle on the beloved [*New York Times* word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), created to specifically challenge sports fans.

Similar to the original *Connections*, the goal is to discover the “common links among words.” Like *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-28-2024) resets daily at midnight, with each new challenge becoming increasingly difficult. We’ve included some hints and tactics to support you through today’s puzzle.

If you want the answer immediately, feel free to jump to the conclusion of this article. On the other hand, if you wish to figure it out independently, continue reading for helpful advice and clues.

### What Is *Connections: Sports Edition*?

The *New York Times* has unveiled this daily word game in partnership with *The Athletic*, its sports-centric magazine. [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-24-2024) can be played on web browsers and mobile devices, requiring players to categorize four words with a shared theme.

Each puzzle is composed of 16 words divided into four unique categories. These could range from literary titles to software names, nations, and beyond. Although several words might appear to belong together, only one correct grouping exists.

If a player successfully identifies a collection of four related words, they are cleared from the board. However, incorrect guesses count against you, with players allowed up to four wrong attempts before the game concludes.

To simplify the game, players can shuffle the grid for easier recognition of connections. Each category is color-coded, with yellow indicating the easiest level, followed by green, blue, and purple. As with *Wordle*, players can share their outcomes with friends on social media.

### Hint for Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories

Looking for hints without disclosing the specific categories? Here are some clues:

– **Yellow:** Not allowed
– **Green:** Blue 42
– **Blue:** Not allowed on the court
– **Purple:** Creative

### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories

Need a little more guidance? Here are today’s categories:

– **Yellow:** Prohibited in baseball
– **Green:** Pre-snap football actions
– **Blue:** Basketball foul types
– **Purple:** Sports-themed art

### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Answers

Still have trouble? Here are the answers for today’s puzzle:

– **Prohibited in baseball** – **BETTING, CORKED BAT, SPITBALL, STEROIDS**
– **Pre-snap football actions** – **AUDIBLE, HARD COUNT, MOTION, SHIFT**
– **Basketball foul types** – **FLAGRANT, LOOSE BALL, OFFENSIVE, TECHNICAL**
– **Sports-themed art** – **DRAW PLAY, GALLERY, PITCH FRAMING, THE PAINT**

If you didn’t crack it this time, don’t fret—there will be another *Connections* puzzle available tomorrow! We’ll return with more hints and strategies to assist you.

Eager for more word games? Explore our [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and more.

Want to give *Wordle* a go as well? [Here’s today’s *Wordle* answer](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-march-9-2025).

Missed yesterday’s *Connections*? [Locate the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-march-9-2025).

Happy puzzling! 🎉