The New York Times has introduced an exciting new addition to its lineup of word games with the launch of Connections: Sports Edition. This innovative game, developed in collaboration with The Athletic, the Times’ sports-focused subsidiary, is designed to challenge and entertain sports fans by combining their love for sports with the thrill of word puzzles. Launched on March 22, 2025, Connections: Sports Edition offers a fresh and engaging way to test your sports knowledge while sharpening your word skills.

The game follows a straightforward yet captivating format. Players are presented with 16 words and tasked with grouping them into four categories, each tied to a unique sports-related theme. The categories are color-coded by difficulty, ranging from yellow (easiest) to purple (hardest). With only four mistakes allowed, the game encourages players to think critically and creatively. Like the popular Wordle, the puzzle resets daily, providing a new challenge every day. Whether you’re playing on your web browser or mobile device, Connections: Sports Edition is a perfect blend of sports fandom and wordplay.

For those who tried the game on its launch day, here’s a quick recap of the categories and solutions: The yellow category, labeled “Equipment for snow activities,” included words like SKI, SLED, SNOWBOARD, and TUBE. The green category, “Bounce back,” featured words such as COMEBACK, RALLY, REBOUND, and RECOVERY. The blue category, “Baseball verbs in past tense,” required players to connect CAUGHT, DOVE, SLID, and THREW. Finally, the purple category, the most challenging, was “Names of Premier League managers,” with words like ANGE (Postecoglou), ENZO (Maresca), NUNO (Espírito Santo), and PEP (Guardiola). This last category highlighted some of the most prominent names in football management, showcasing the global appeal of the Premier League.

Connections: Sports Edition is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of sports knowledge and fandom. By partnering with The Athletic, the New York Times has created a platform that resonates with sports enthusiasts worldwide. The daily reset feature keeps players engaged, while the ability to share results on social media adds a competitive edge. As one player noted, “It’s like a mental workout for sports fans. You’re not just guessing words; you’re connecting them to real-world sports moments and figures.”

The game’s varying difficulty levels ensure that it appeals to a wide audience, from casual sports fans to die-hard enthusiasts. The inclusion of diverse sports themes—ranging from snow activities to baseball and football—makes it a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re a seasoned sports expert or just starting to explore the world of athletics, Connections: Sports Edition offers something for everyone.

The launch of Connections: Sports Edition underscores the New York Times’ commitment to delivering interactive and thought-provoking content. By merging the excitement of sports with the challenge of word puzzles, this game is poised to become a favorite among fans. If you haven’t tried it yet, head over to the New York Times website or app and give Connections: Sports Edition a shot. It’s a fun and rewarding way to celebrate your love for sports while putting your knowledge to the test.