### *Connections: Sports Edition* – A New Challenge for Sports Aficionados
*Connections: Sports Edition* offers a novel perspective on the renowned [*New York Times* word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), crafted particularly for sports fans.
In a manner similar to the original *Connections*, this game invites players to uncover the “shared links between words.” Just like *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-28-2024) resets each day at midnight, with every new challenge becoming increasingly complex. If you’re finding it tough, we have hints and strategies to assist you.
If you seek today’s answer, just scroll to the conclusion of this article. However, if you prefer to tackle it on your own, continue reading for clues, tactics, and insights.
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### What Is *Connections: Sports Edition*?
The *New York Times* has introduced this daily word challenge in partnership with *The Athletic*, its sports-oriented publication. [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-21-2024) can be accessed on both web browsers and mobile devices, requiring players to categorize four words that align under a common theme.
Each puzzle comprises 16 words, grouped into four categories. These categories may encompass book titles, software names, countries, and more. While several words may appear to connect, there is only one correct combination.
Once a player successfully identifies a group of four related words, those words vanish from the grid. However, incorrect selections are counted as errors, with players allowed up to four errors before the game concludes.
To simplify things, players can shuffle the grid to better identify connections. The difficulty levels are color-coded:
– **Yellow** – Easiest
– **Green** – Moderate
– **Blue** – Challenging
– **Purple** – Most difficult
Much like *Wordle*, players have the option to share their outcomes on social platforms.
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### Hint for Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
In need of a hint without giving away the answers? Here are some clues for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Speed
– **Green:** Essential statistics for defensive football players
– **Blue:** Venues for high-speed racing
– **Purple:** Cities with collegiate teams in the same conference
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### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
Require a bit more assistance? Here are today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Run
– **Green:** Defensive lineman statistics
– **Blue:** NASCAR tracks
– **Purple:** ACC cities
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### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Answers
Still unable to find the solution? Here are today’s answers for the puzzle:
– **Run** – **DART, DASH, RACE, SPRINT**
– **Defensive lineman statistics** – **HURRY, KNOCKDOWN, SACK, TACKLE FOR LOSS**
– **NASCAR tracks** – **DARLINGTON, DAYTONA, MARTINSVILLE, TALLADEGA**
– **ACC cities** – **BLACKSBURG, CHAPEL HILL, DURHAM, TALLAHASSEE**
If you didn’t succeed this time, don’t worry—another *Connections* puzzle appears every day! We’ll return tomorrow with additional hints and answers to assist you.
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### More Games to Play
Looking for additional puzzles? Visit [Mashable’s game hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and more.
Want to tackle yesterday’s *Connections*? [Locate the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-16-2025).
Are you also engaging with *NYT Strands*? [Explore today’s hints and answers](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-16).
Happy puzzling! 🎉