Excitement is in the air with the latest addition to The New York Times games lineup, perfect for all the word game enthusiasts out there. For those of us who are already hooked on games like Wordle, Connections, Strands, and Mini Crossword, there’s now another one to add to the mix – Connections Sports Edition.
Today, on January 6, 2026, we’ve got the perfect hints and answers to help you conquer the Connections Sports Edition puzzle. This new version, created in collaboration between The New York Times and The Athletic, adds a sports-specific twist to the classic Connections word puzzle.
To play Connections Sports Edition, you need to group sports terms that have a common thread. The game resets daily at 12 a.m. EST and features 16 different words spread across four categories. Your challenge is to figure out the groupings and categories for each set of four words.
If you need some help getting started, here are some hints for today’s categories:
Yellow: Go the other way.
Green: Nothing but net.
Blue: Fire it in there.
Purple: Not front.
Now, for those who are ready to dive in, here are today’s Connections Sports Edition categories:
Yellow: CHANGE DIRECTION
Green: BASKETBALL SHOT TYPES
Blue: ACTIVE MLB PITCHERS
Purple: BACK ____
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for – the answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition puzzle:
CHANGE DIRECTION: PIVOT, TURN, VEER, ZIG
BASKETBALL SHOT TYPES: ALLEY-OOP, FADEAWAY, FLOATER, LAYUP
ACTIVE MLB PITCHERS: CEASE, CROCHET, WHEELER, WOO
BACK ____: BOARD, FIELD, STOP, STRETCH
If you didn’t crack the code this time, don’t worry – there’s always tomorrow to try again. Stay tuned for more puzzling adventures, and in the meantime, why not catch up on the latest Wordle puzzles?
Today’s Connections Sports Edition puzzle offers a fun and engaging challenge for sports and word game enthusiasts alike. With its unique twist on the classic Connections game, it’s a refreshing way to test your skills and knowledge in the world of sports terminology. So gather your wits and dive into the world of Connections Sports Edition – you never know what connections you might uncover.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.