What is Sports Connections?
Sports Connections is a free daily word puzzle game inspired by the popular NYT Connections game. Instead of general topics, every puzzle is themed around sports — from NFL teams and NBA players to Olympic events and soccer terminology.
Each day, you're presented with a grid of 16 words. Your goal is to sort them into 4 groups of 4 words that share a common sports-related theme.
The Rules
- 16 words, 4 groups: Every puzzle has exactly 16 words arranged in a 4×4 grid. These words belong to 4 hidden categories.
- Select 4 words: Tap or click on 4 words you think belong together, then hit "Submit."
- 4 mistakes allowed: You can make up to 4 incorrect guesses. After the 4th mistake, the game ends and all answers are revealed.
- Color-coded difficulty: Categories are color-coded from easiest to hardest — 🟨 Yellow (easiest), 🟩 Green (moderate), 🟦 Blue (tricky), 🟪 Purple (hardest).
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Scan the Grid
Before clicking anything, read all 16 words carefully. Look for obvious groupings — teams from the same league, players from the same era, or terms related to a specific sport.
Step 2: Start with What You Know
If you spot 4 words that clearly belong together (e.g., four NBA teams in the Eastern Conference), start there. The Yellow category is usually the most straightforward.
Step 3: Use Hints Wisely
Sports Connections offers up to 4 progressive hints per puzzle. The first hint tells you the difficulty level of the easiest unsolved group. The second reveals the category name. Use them strategically when you're stuck.
Step 4: Watch for Traps
The Purple category is designed to be tricky. Words might have double meanings or unexpected connections. For example, "EAGLE" could refer to the NFL team, a golf scoring term, or a wrestling move.
Tips for Success
- Look for shared leagues: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL — teams from the same division often form a group
- Think about terminology: Sports have unique vocabulary. "Birdie," "bogey," "eagle," and "albatross" are all golf terms
- Consider the eras: Players from the same decade or championship team might be grouped
- Eliminate confidently: Once you're sure about one group, submit it to narrow down the remaining words
Difficulty Modes
Sports Connections offers three difficulty modes:
- ☀️ Easy Mode: Tiles are subtly color-coded to hint at which group they belong to
- ⚡ Normal Mode: The standard experience with 4 hints available
- 🔥 Hard Mode: Only 3 mistakes allowed, no hints, and you must solve groups in order from Yellow to Purple
Ready to play? Try today's puzzle or browse the archive for past challenges!