NYT Connections Sports Version: Clues and Solutions for January 8, 2026

Today’s Connections: Sports Edition will be simpler if you are acquainted with west coast universities.

This iteration of the well-liked New York Times word game examines sports enthusiasts’ knowledge.

Like the original Connections, the game entails identifying “common threads among words.” Comparable to Wordle, Connections refreshes after midnight, making each new collection of words more difficult — hence we’ve included hints and advice to assist you.

If you’re looking for today’s puzzle answer, skip to the conclusion of this article. Otherwise, continue reading for hints, suggestions, and tactics.

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What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The latest daily word game from the NYT, in collaboration with The Athletic, challenges players to categorize four words that have a shared theme. It is accessible on web browsers and mobile devices.

Each puzzle consists of 16 words categorized into four groups. These categories could encompass anything from book titles to software names. Although several words may seem appropriate together, there’s only one correct grouping.

If a player successfully groups all four words, they are taken off the board. An incorrect guess is counted as a mistake — participants can make up to four errors before the game concludes.

Participants can rearrange and shuffle the board to discover connections more conveniently. Each group is color-coded, with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Similar to Wordle, results can be shared on social media.

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Here’s a hint for today’s Connections: Sports Edition categories

Looking for a hint about the categories? Consider these:

  • Yellow: Geographically defined

  • <