**Connections: Sports Edition – A Fresh Challenge for Sports Aficionados**
*Connections: Sports Edition* offers a novel perspective on the well-known [New York Times word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), crafted especially for sports fans to test their expertise.
Mirroring the original *Connections*, the objective remains to uncover the “common threads among words.” Similar to *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-28-2024) updates daily at midnight, with each subsequent puzzle becoming increasingly difficult. If you find yourself in a bind, we’re here with hints and advice to assist you.
Should you merely seek today’s answer, scroll down to the conclusion of this piece. However, if you prefer to crack it on your own, continue reading for clues, strategies, and advice.
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### What Is *Connections: Sports Edition*?
In partnership with *The Athletic*, its sports-centric outlet, the *New York Times* has introduced this daily word challenge. [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-24-2024) is accessible on both web and mobile platforms, inviting players to categorize four words that share a common theme.
Each puzzle contains 16 words, segmented into four categories. These categories may include anything from book titles to software applications, nations, and other themes. While various words may appear connected, only a single correct combination exists.
When you successfully identify a group of four words, they are eliminated from the board. Conversely, incorrect selections are counted as errors, and players can make up to four mistakes before the game concludes.
For easier gameplay, players have the option to shuffle the board to find connections more effectively. Each category is color-coded: yellow indicates the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Just like *Wordle*, you can share your performance on social media with friends.
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### Today’s Hints for *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
Need a little help without giving everything away? Here are some prompts for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Assessing a quarterback’s performance
– **Green:** Tied to March Madness
– **Blue:** Alternative baseball
– **Purple:** Intersection of science & sports
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### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
If you require additional support, here are the themes for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** QB performance stats
– **Green:** Opening terms of NCAA tournament rounds
– **Blue:** Baseball “leagues”
– **Purple:** Where the periodic table meets sports
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### Answers for Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition*
Still having difficulty? Here are the accurate groupings for today’s puzzle:
– **QB performance stats** – **ATTEMPTS, RATING, TOUCHDOWNS, YARDS**
– **Opening terms of NCAA tournament rounds** – **ELITE, FINAL, FIRST, SWEET**
– **Baseball “leagues”** – **CACTUS, GRAPEFRUIT, INTERNATIONAL, PACIFIC COAST**
– **Where the periodic table meets sports** – **GOLD MEDAL, LEAD RUNNER, MERCURY, SILVER SLUGGER**
If you didn’t make it this time, don’t fret! A new *Connections* challenge will be available tomorrow, and we will have more tips and answers for you.
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### More Word Games to Explore
Searching for additional puzzles? Try your luck with [today’s *Wordle*](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-march-16-2025) or explore [*NYT Strands*](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-march-16-2025) for another mental challenge.
For further enjoyment, head over to [Mashable’s game hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and much more!
Missed yesterday’s *Connections*? [Discover the answer here](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-march-16-2025).