The New York Times has stepped up its game with the launch of Connections Sports Edition, a new puzzle designed specifically for sports enthusiasts. Released in association with The Athletic, this daily word game challenges players to find thematic connections among a set of 16 words, engaging users in a delightful mental workout.
Since its inception in June 2023, Connections has quickly become a favorite among word game fans, positioning itself as the second-most-played game in the New York Times lineup, just behind the ever-popular Wordle. With its unique twist aimed at sports lovers, the Sports Edition encourages players to dive deep into their sports knowledge while also honing their word association skills.
The premise of Connections is relatively straightforward. Players are presented with 16 words, which they must then categorize into four distinct groups based on common themes. Each group corresponds to a color-coded difficulty level; yellow represents the easiest challenge, followed by green, blue, and purple for the most complex associations.
For instance, in the puzzle on March 19, 2025, players were tasked with deciphering categories like "Stats for a QB" and "Baseball leagues," testing their familiarity with terms like “attempts” and “cactus.” Notably, each of the four groups contains words that are significantly intertwined, yet players must tread carefully; incorrect guesses are limited to only four mistakes. Guessing wrong not only counts against a player but also adds an element of suspense as they try to succeed before the clock runs out.
Wyna Liu, a puzzle editor for The New York Times who contributes significantly to the Connections game development, expressed her passion for puzzle creation in a recent interview with Newsweek. "I absolutely love making grids and do this for hours at a time. Sometimes, I'll procrastinate on a grid by starting another grid," Liu shared, highlighting the creative joy she finds in crafting these challenging and engaging word puzzles.
Liu further elaborated on her commitment to the intricate process of puzzle making: "The joy and satisfaction I get from making puzzles is similar, in some ways, to the feeling I get when working on an art-related project." This artistic approach to puzzle design shines through in the engaging content that captures the imaginations of participants.
If you’re looking to sharpen your skills on the latest puzzle, here are the categories and solutions provided for the day:
- Stats for a QB: ATTEMPTS, RATING, TOUCHDOWNS, YARDS
- First words of NCAA tournament rounds: ELITE, FINAL, FIRST, SWEET
- Baseball leagues: CACTUS, GRAPEFRUIT, INTERNATIONAL, PACIFIC COAST
- Periodic table meets sports: GOLD MEDAL, LEAD RUNNER, MERCURY, SILVER SLUGGER
The support system of hints provided on platforms like Newsweek and others has proven invaluable for fans looking for a little extra guidance. In case players find themselves stuck, the blue category offerings today included words associated with roads, ensuring players maintain their engagement while adding layers of fun.
Indeed, the continuous innovation from The New York Times in the realm of puzzle games indicates a robust future for games like Connections. Each day offers a fresh challenge, precisely timed to reset at midnight local time, providing players with a new opportunity to test their vocabulary and sports knowledge.
As fans anticipate tomorrow’s puzzle and the next intricate webs Liu and her team will craft, the thrill of the game persists, illustrating how a simple idea can evolve into a cherished daily ritual for countless players. So, whether you’re an avid sports fan or simply enjoy word puzzles, Connections invites everyone to partake in the challenging yet rewarding experience of finding their connections.
