The New York Times has launched a new version of its popular word game, Connections: Sports Edition, designed specifically for sports enthusiasts. This iteration combines the challenge of word association with sports knowledge, aiming to engage fans in a unique and interactive way.
Similar to the original Connections game, players must identify common themes among a set of 16 words divided into four categories. Each game resets at midnight, introducing a fresh set of challenges that increase in difficulty. Players are given specific categories for each round, which can include a variety of subjects, such as team names, sports terminology, or historical figures.
Connections Sports Edition can be enjoyed on both web browsers and mobile devices, allowing fans to test their skills on the go. Players are allowed up to four mistakes before the game ends, and strategies such as rearranging the board can help uncover connections. For those who successfully group words, the game becomes progressively easier as correct answers eliminate words from play.
Today’s categories in the Connections Sports Edition include MLB teams visible on scoreboards, teams that lost their respective championships in 2025, famous individuals named Jackie, and teams or players with nicknames linked to Marvel characters.
For those who wish to directly access the answers for today’s puzzle, here they are:
1. MLB teams: LAD (Los Angeles Dodgers), MIL (Milwaukee Brewers), PIT (Pittsburgh Pirates), TEX (Texas Rangers).
2. Teams losing their championships: Edmonton, Indiana, Kansas City, Notre Dame.
3. Famous Jackies: Bradey, Joyner-Kersee, Robinson, Young.
4. Teams and players sharing Marvel nicknames: Iowa, Michigan, Pulisic, Ripken.
Whether you guessed correctly or not, there’s always a new game around the corner, encouraging continued engagement and cognitive challenge. Additionally, for fans looking for more games, the NYT also offers other puzzles such as Wordle, Strands, and a variety of classic games like Sudoku and crosswords.
This new edition not only promises entertainment but also nurtures community interaction as players share their results and challenge friends, maintaining the spirit of competition and camaraderie among sports fans.