Puzzle enthusiasts will recognize the familiar layout of the NYT Connections series, but the latest edition, released on January 22, 2026, offers a fresh sports twist. The puzzle, identified as No. 486, invites solvers to match words into four themed groups. The challenge is designed for fans of both sports trivia and word play.
At a Glance
- NYT Connections: Sports Edition is a daily puzzle that blends sports knowledge with word matching.
- It contains 16 words organized into four groups, each guided by a cryptic hint.
- The puzzle is exclusive to The Athletic’s app and can also be played online for free.
The puzzle is part of the NYT Connections: Sports Edition series, which appears on The Athletic’s app and can also be played online for free. It is not included in the NYT Games app, making The Athletic the sole official source for this edition. The format remains consistent with previous NYT Connections puzzles, featuring a grid of 16 words.
Solvers receive four distinct hints that point to the underlying themes for each group. The hints are intentionally cryptic yet directly tied to the answers. Each group contains exactly 4 answers, making the total of 16 words.
The first hint, “Not lazy,” leads to the theme of an energetic person. The four answers-dynamo, fireball, go-getter, spark plug-are all descriptors that convey high energy or drive. These words fit neatly into the first group once the theme is recognized.
The second hint, “Pete Carroll is another one,” points to head coaches who have won a Super Bowl. The four names-Don Shula, John Madden, Mike Tomlin, Sean Payton-are all celebrated coaches with that distinction. This group showcases the puzzle’s sports focus.
The third hint, “Turn on the TV,” refers to former ESPN shows. The answers-Around The Horn, Dream Job, Playmakers, Stump the Schwab-were all programs that aired on the network. Solvers must recall these shows to place the words correctly.
The final hint, “Hidden team names,” leads to words that end in an NBA team name, singular. The four answers-empty net, Joe Buck, The Yankee Clipper, Tony Hawk-each incorporate a team or player name in a creative way. This group tests knowledge of NBA nomenclature.
Beyond the main groups, the puzzle offers additional categories that many solvers find challenging. These include Serie A clubs (Atalanta, Juventus, Lazio, Roma), WNBA MVPs (Catchings, Delle Donne, Fowles, Stewart), Premier League nicknames (Bees, Cherries, Foxes, Hammers), and homophones of NBA player names (Barns, Connect, Heart, Hero). Each of these categories demands specific sports knowledge.
Because the puzzle is exclusive to The Athletic, subscribers can access it through the app or on the website. The free online version allows casual players to enjoy the challenge without a subscription. This dual access model broadens the puzzle’s reach.
The puzzle grid contains 16 words arranged in a 4×4 layout. Each word belongs to one of four groups, each defined by a single hint. The solver’s goal is to match all words into their correct group.
The four group themes are: an energetic person, head coaches who won a Super Bowl, former ESPN shows, and words ending with an NBA team name.
The four hints themselves are: “Not lazy”, “Pete Carroll is another one”, “Turn on the TV”, and “Hidden team names”. Each hint directly points to the theme of its group.
The 16 answers are divided evenly among the groups, with each group containing four words or phrases. This distribution keeps the puzzle balanced and ensures each theme has equal weight.
The puzzle was released on January 22, 2026, as the 486th entry in the series. The date marks another milestone in the NYT puzzle series.
A common approach is to start with the most obvious words that match a hint, then use elimination to place remaining words. Solvers often look for patterns or shared meanings before grouping the rest. This method helps reduce guesswork and speeds completion.
The NYT Connections: Sports Edition demonstrates how a classic word-matching format can be refreshed with sports themes. Its four groups, each with a clear hint, provide a satisfying puzzle experience for both casual fans and hardcore trivia buffs. The puzzle’s release on January 22, 2026 as No. 486 marks another milestone in the NYT puzzle series.
Overall, the NYT Connections: Sports Edition delivers a fresh take on the classic format, with sports-themed groups and a challenging set of additional categories.
