**Connections: Sports Edition – A Fresh Challenge for Sports Lovers**
*Connections: Sports Edition* presents a novel spin on the well-known [New York Times word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), crafted especially for those passionate about sports.
Much like the original *Connections*, this game invites players to discover the “common connections among words.” Similar to *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-28-2024) resets every day at midnight, with each subsequent puzzle increasing in difficulty. If you find yourself puzzled, we have some useful tips to assist you.
If you’re eager for today’s answer, you might jump straight to the conclusion of this article. But if you’d prefer to tackle it on your own, continue reading for hints, techniques, and advice to aid your effort.
### What is *Connections: Sports Edition*?
This new word game from *The New York Times* has been developed in collaboration with *The Athletic*, which is the publication’s sports-oriented platform. [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-24-2024) is accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms, challenging players to group four words that share a common theme.
Each puzzle comprises 16 words, arranged into four groups. These groups can cover themes such as book titles, software, country names, and certainly, sports topics. While various words may appear to belong together, only one accurate grouping is possible.
Upon successfully identifying a set of four words, they will be cleared from the board. However, wrong guesses are considered errors, and players can make up to four mistakes before the game concludes.
To facilitate gameplay, players have the option to shuffle the board for easier connections. Each category is color-coded, with yellow being the simplest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Similar to *Wordle*, you can share your achievements with friends on social media.
### Hint for Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
In need of a bit of assistance without unveiling the answers? Here are some tips for today’s themes:
– **Yellow:** Professional football mascots (singular)
– **Green:** Not favored to win
– **Blue:** What locals might refer to their basketball team as
– **Purple:** Went to the same institution
### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
Still searching for additional help? Here are today’s category themes:
– **Yellow:** NFL franchises (excluding the “S”)
– **Green:** Unlikely champion
– **Blue:** Informal names for college squads
– **Purple:** UConn basketball legends
### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Answers
Ready for the solution? Here it is:
– **NFL teams, without the “S”** – **BRONCO, COLT, COWBOY, RAM**
– **Unlikely champion** – **DARK HORSE, LONG SHOT, MINNOW, UNDERDOG**
– **Informal names for college squads** – **CATS, HOOS, TERPS, ZAGS**
– **UConn basketball legends** – **BIRD, HAMILTON, LOBO, WALKER**
If you didn’t get it this time, don’t be concerned! A fresh *Connections* puzzle will be ready tomorrow, and we’ll be here with further hints and solutions to assist you.
Looking for more puzzles? Visit our [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and additional challenges.
Want to tackle yesterday’s *Connections*? [Here’s the answer.](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-march-17-2025)
Enjoy puzzling! 🎉