At a Glance
- The NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle was released on January 28, 2026 and its answers were revealed the same day.
- Four groups were identified: player bio information, sports streamers, former MLB ballparks, and Hall of Fame quarterbacks.
- The puzzle is part of a daily series published by The Athletic, a subscription-based sports site owned by The Times.
- The solution showcases how word-play can bring together sports trivia, streaming services, and historic stadiums.
The NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle arrived on January 28, 2026 as part of the New York Times’ daily puzzle lineup. The game asks players to match 16 words into four distinct groups, each tied to a single theme. The reveal of the correct groupings provides a satisfying “aha” moment for puzzle enthusiasts.
What Is Connections?
Connections is a word-matching puzzle that has been a staple of the New York Times Games section for years. Players are given a grid of 16 words and must identify four categories that fit all the words. The challenge lies in spotting subtle links-sometimes cultural, sometimes factual-that bind the words together. The NYT has used this format for a variety of themes, from movies to science, and the Sports Edition is no exception.
Puzzle Details
The Sports Edition was published by The Athletic, a subscription-based sports journalism site that is owned by The Times. Unlike other NYT Games, it does not appear in the NYT Games app; instead, it is available through The Athletic’s own app or on its website for free play. The release date, January 28, 2026, marks the day the puzzle was posted and the day the answers were disclosed. This dual-release model keeps the puzzle accessible to both paying and casual audiences.
| Availability | Platform |
|---|---|
| App | The Athletic |
| Web | The Athletic website |
| App | NYT Games (not available) |
The Groups and Their Hints
The puzzle’s 16 words were divided into four groups, each guided by a hint that pointed to the underlying theme. The hints were ranked from easiest to hardest, with the yellow group being the simplest.
| Color | Hint |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Stats about an athlete |
| Green | Where to watch games |
| Blue | There used to be a ballpark |
| Purple | Names are hidden in these words |
These hints set the stage for players to deduce the correct categories before the answers were released.
The Answers
Once the puzzle was solved, the answers were posted in a clear, grouped format. The solutions align neatly with the provided hints, confirming the puzzle’s internal logic.
| Group | Answers |
|---|---|
| Yellow | alma mater, height, number, position |
| Green | Netflix, Paramount, Peacock, Prime |
| Blue | Ebbets, Kingdome, Three Rivers, Tiger |
| Purple | forewarner, Harbaugh, honeymoon, outmanning |
Each answer fits its theme: the yellow words are standard biographical data for athletes; the green words are names of streaming platforms that carry sports; the blue words are names of former Major League Baseball ballparks; and the purple words all end with the letters that spell a Hall of Fame quarterback’s name.
How to Play
- Read the hint for each color group to understand the theme.
- Scan the 16 words and jot down any connections you notice.
- Assign words to the four groups, ensuring every word fits its theme.
- Check your work against the published answers to confirm accuracy.
The puzzle’s structure encourages both quick pattern recognition and deeper research, making it engaging for casual solvers and seasoned puzzle-solvers alike.
Why It Matters
The NYT Connections: Sports Edition showcases how a simple word grid can weave together diverse elements of sports culture. By pairing athlete statistics, streaming services, historic ballparks, and quarterback trivia, the puzzle highlights the interconnectedness of modern sports media. For fans of the New York Times Games, it offers a fresh take on the classic Connections format, while also promoting The Athletic’s platform as a venue for interactive content.
The release also illustrates the evolving distribution of puzzle content. By offering the game through The Athletic’s app and website, the New York Times expands its reach beyond the traditional NYT Games app, tapping into a niche audience of sports enthusiasts who prefer a dedicated sports news source.
Key Takeaways
- The NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle was released and solved on January 28, 2026.
- Four distinct themes were identified, each with four corresponding answers.
- The puzzle is available through The Athletic’s app and website, not the NYT Games app.
- The solution demonstrates how sports trivia can intersect with streaming media and historic venues.
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