Connections: Sports Edition Takes Over as NYT’s Hottest Game Since Wordle
The New York Times’ latest viral sensation, Connections: Sports Edition, has become a daily obsession for sports fans and puzzle enthusiasts alike. Launched in beta in September 2024 through a partnership with The Athletic, this sports-themed twist on the original Connections game officially debuted on February 9, 2025 – just in time for Super Bowl weekend.
What Is Connections: Sports Edition?
This free-to-play puzzle challenges players to group 16 sports-related terms into four categories of four. Recent examples include:
- February 15 puzzle: Skateboarding tricks (Kickflip, McTwist), NBA Dunk Contest winners (McClung, LaVine), baseball terms (Mendoza Line), and competition verbs (Challenge, Defend)
- February 22 puzzle: Soccer goal celebrations, Olympic swimming strokes, basketball positions, and tennis court surfaces
How to Play
The rules mirror classic Connections with a sports twist:
- Identify four groups of four related terms
- Three wrong guesses allowed per game
- Daily reset at midnight local time
- Color-coded difficulty levels (yellow=easiest, purple=hardest)
Why It’s Going Viral
The game’s success stems from:
- Sports-specific categories: Combines athlete names, terminology, and cultural references
- Shareable results: Players can post color-coded grids showing their solving path
- Competitive elements: Optional timer mode and global leaderboards
Recent Updates
The Athletic has added new features since launch:
- Archive access for past puzzles
- Daily Coach discussions with expert analysis
- Mobile-first design improvements
With over 150 puzzles released since beta testing began, Connections: Sports Edition shows no signs of slowing down. As ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt recently tweeted: “It’s Wordle for sports nerds – and I’m here for it.”
