At a Glance
- Puzzle released Dec. 26, 2025 by The Athletic (NYT Connections)
- Theme: New York athlete
- Answers include Islander, Net, Ranger, Yankee
- Why it matters: Fans can solve the puzzle and discover themed word connections
The NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle for Dec. 26, 2025 was released by The Athletic, offering a fresh challenge for crossword enthusiasts. The puzzle centers on a New York athlete theme and is split into four color-coded groups. Players can solve it online or through The Athletic app.
Puzzle Release and Platform
The puzzle appears on The Athletic’s website and app, not in the NYT Games app. It is free to play online for anyone with a subscription to The Athletic.
Group Themes and Answers
The puzzle is divided into four groups, each with a distinct theme and four answers.
| Color | Theme | Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | New York athlete | Islander, Net, Ranger, Yankee |
| Green | Bowl games | Alamo, Gator, Liberty, Pinstripe |
| Blue | Team road trip | Bus, Flight, Hotel, Visiting locker room |
| Purple | Ends in a movement verb | Foxtrot (trot), Newsprint (sprint), Terrace (race), Thunderbolt (bolt) |
Hints for each group were ranked from easiest (yellow) to toughest (purple), guiding solvers through the clues.
Key Takeaways
- Puzzle released Dec. 26, 2025 by The Athletic
- New York athlete theme with four key answers
- Four color groups with distinct sports themes
With its clear themes and engaging clues, the NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle offers a fun way to test word-play skills and stay connected to sports trivia.
