**Connections: Sports Edition – A Fresh Challenge for Sports Aficionados**
*Connections: Sports Edition* is an exhilarating offshoot of the widely-loved [New York Times word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), crafted especially for sports fans.
Just like the original *Connections*, the aim is to discover the shared link between groups of words. Much like *Wordle*, the game updates daily at midnight, with each new puzzle becoming increasingly difficult. If you find yourself stuck, we have hints and strategies to assist you.
If you’re solely seeking today’s answer, scroll to the conclusion of this article. Otherwise, continue reading for useful clues and advice to navigate through the puzzle.
—
### What Is *Connections: Sports Edition*?
The *New York Times* has launched this new daily word game in partnership with *The Athletic*, its sports-oriented media platform. *Connections: Sports Edition* is accessible on both web browsers and mobile devices, inviting players to pinpoint four words that share a common thread.
Each puzzle features 16 words, categorized into four distinct groups. These categories can encompass everything from book titles to software names, countries, and beyond. While several words may appear to fit together, only one combination is correct.
When a player successfully identifies a set of four related words, they are taken off the board. However, incorrect guesses are counted as mistakes, with players permitted up to four blunders before the game concludes.
To simplify the game, players can rearrange the board to more easily identify connections. Moreover, each category is color-coded:
– **Yellow** – Easiest
– **Green** – Moderate
– **Blue** – Challenging
– **Purple** – Most difficult
Similar to *Wordle*, players can post their results on social media.
—
### Hint for Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
Need a little assistance without giving away the answers? Here are some clues for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Methods to move a soccer ball
– **Green:** Not offense in basketball
– **Blue:** College stars on the court
– **Purple:** Share a surname
—
### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
Still in need of assistance? Here are the themes for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Strike a ball with your foot
– **Green:** Basketball defensive strategies
– **Blue:** NCAA women’s basketball talent
– **Purple:** ______ Wilson
—
### The Answer to Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition*
Ready for the answer? This is your final opportunity to solve the puzzle before we disclose the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The answer to today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* #179 is:
– **Strike a ball with your foot** – **BOOT, KICK, PUNT, STRIKE**
– **Basketball defensive strategies** – **MAN, PRESS, TRAP, ZONE**
– **NCAA women’s basketball talent** – **BETTS, BUECKERS, HIDALGO, WATKINS**
– **______ Wilson** – **A’JA, GARRETT, MOOKIE, RUSSELL**
If you didn’t get it this time, don’t fret—there’s a fresh *Connections* puzzle daily! Check back tomorrow for more hints and solutions.
—
### More Word Games to Enjoy
Looking for additional puzzles? Try [today’s *Wordle*](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-march-21-2025) or challenge yourself with [NYT Strands](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-march-21-2025).
Want even more games? Visit [Mashable’s Games Hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and much more!
Missed yesterday’s *Connections*? [Discover the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-march-21-2025).