The New York Times has released a fresh challenge for Connections: Sports Edition players on July 14, 2024. This version of the popular word game focuses on sports terminology and concepts, offering four groups to solve based on common themes. Let’s break down today’s puzzle to see if you can find all the connections.
What is Connections: Sports Edition?
Connections: Sports Edition is a spin-off of the original Connections puzzle, tailored specifically for sports fans. It features clues and groupings centered around athletic terminology, team names, and sports-related concepts. Unlike the standard Connections game, this version was initially released in beta but has now launched officially, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
The puzzle gained traction after its debut during Super Bowl Sunday, signaling its growing popularity among NYT Games enthusiasts. While it doesn’t appear directly in the NYT Games app, it can be played for free online or through The Athletic’s app, which collaborates with the New York Times on this venture.
Today’s Puzzle: July 14, 2024
Yellow Group: Easiest to Solve
Theme: Gotta get through it.
Answers: drought, funk, rut, slump.
Explanation: This group refers to a “rough patch,” meaning a difficult or challenging period. These terms are often used metaphorically to describe setbacks in various contexts, including sports.
Green Group: A Step Up in Difficulty
Theme: Big piece of furniture.
Answers: air hockey, ping pong, pool, snooker.
Explanation: These are all played on a table, making this group a bit more straightforward but still a good starting point for the puzzle.
Blue Group: Medium Challenge
Theme: NBA arenas.
Answers: Ball, Rocket, Scotiabank, State Farm.
Explanation: These are all names of NBA arenas. While some are straightforward (like State Farm), others require a bit of lateral thinking to connect.
Purple Group: The Hardest Challenge
Theme: 2025 MLB HR Derby participants, informally.
Answers: Cal, Jazz, Junior, O’Neil.
Explanation: These are nicknames of MLB players who participated in the 2025 HR Derby. This group is the trickiest, requiring knowledge of baseball or a keen eye for detail.
How to Play
Connections: Sports Edition groups 16 words into four categories of four. Each group shares a common theme, and players must identify these connections to complete the puzzle. The game is designed to test knowledge of sports terminology, cultural references, and wordplay.
Where to Play
Connections: Sports Edition is available to play for free online. It also appears in The Athletic’s app, which partners with the New York Times to bring this and other games to players. For more puzzles like this, check out the NYT Games website, which also features Wordle, Strands, and the original Connections.
Why This Matters
The rise of sports-themed word games like Connections: Sports Edition highlights the growing intersection of sports culture and digital entertainment. These puzzles not only test knowledge but also encourage fans to engage with their favorite sports in new and creative ways. As the game gains traction, it could inspire more interactive, trivia-based content tailored to sports enthusiasts.
Ready to Test Your Skills?
If you enjoyed today’s puzzle, be sure to check out the NYT Games website for more daily challenges. And if you’re a fan of baseball or basketball, you’ll likely enjoy the themes and connections in this edition.
The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition continues to evolve, offering fresh challenges for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a casual fan or a sports trivia expert, there’s something for everyone
