**Connections: Sports Edition – A Fresh Challenge for Sports Aficionados**
*Connections: Sports Edition* represents the latest version of the acclaimed [New York Times word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), crafted to put the knowledge of sports fans to the test.
In a manner akin to the original *Connections*, this game prompts players to uncover “shared themes amidst words.” Just like *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-28-2024) resets daily at midnight, with each successive puzzle designed to be more difficult. If you find yourself at a standstill, we offer some hints and techniques to assist you.
For those who prefer to skip ahead to the answer, scroll to the conclusion of this article. Conversely, if you want to tackle it yourself, continue reading for useful hints and insights.
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### What Is *Connections: Sports Edition*?
This new daily word game from the *New York Times* has debuted in partnership with *The Athletic*, the Times’ sports-oriented platform. [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-21-2024) can be enjoyed on web browsers or mobile gadgets and requires players to categorize four words that link to a common subject.
Each puzzle consists of 16 words, categorized into four groups. These categories can include anything from book titles to software applications, nations, or sports terminology. Though certain words might appear to belong to multiple categories, there exists only one correct arrangement.
When players successfully identify a set of four, those words are eliminated from the grid. However, wrong guesses are counted as errors, with players allowed up to four mistakes before concluding the game.
To ease gameplay, players have the option to shuffle the grid for better visibility of connections. Each group is assigned a color indicating difficulty: yellow signifies the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Similar to *Wordle*, players can share their scores on social media for friendly comparison.
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### Hints for Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
In need of a little help? Here are some clues for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Football mascots
– **Green:** Methods to enter the pool
– **Blue:** Like _______
– **Purple:** Varieties of races
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### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
Still puzzled? Here are the precise categories for today’s challenge:
– **Yellow:** NFL teams in singular names
– **Green:** Diving maneuvers
– **Blue:** Notable Mikes
– **Purple:** ______ race
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### The Answers to Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition*
Eager for the answers? Here are the solutions to today’s puzzle:
– **NFL teams in singular names**: **BEAR, BILL, DOLPHIN, PACKER**
– **Diving maneuvers**: **FREE, PIKE, STRAIGHT, TUCK**
– **Notable Mikes**: **BOSSY, EVANS, PIAZZA, TROUT**
– **______ race**: **HORSE, PENNANT, RELAY, ROAD**
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If you didn’t crack it this time, don’t fret—tomorrow’s puzzle awaits you! We will return with additional hints and solutions to help you conquer the next challenge.
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### Searching for More Games?
If puzzles are your passion, explore Mashable’s [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) featuring Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and beyond.
Want to experience another *New York Times* game? [Here’s today’s Wordle answer](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-22-2025) or discover hints and solutions for *Strands* [here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-23).
Missed out on yesterday’s puzzle? [Locate the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-23-2025).