At a Glance
- Dec. 30, 2025 puzzle challenges players to match sports words into themed groups.
- four color-coded groups: yellow, green, blue, purple, each with a subtle hint.
- answers include basketball shots, cricket gear, World Cup champions, and gymnast names minus a letter.
- Why it matters: Fans can test their sports trivia knowledge and solve a daily brain-teaser.
The latest edition of the popular daily puzzle, now in its 463rd iteration, challenges solvers to match words into themed groups. Published by News Of Fort Worth, the puzzle is available on the News Of Fort Worth app and online, but not in the standard games app.
Puzzle Overview
The News Of Fort Worth Connections: Sports Edition for Dec. 30, 2025 asks players to categorize 16 words into four color-coded groups. Each group is guided by a subtle hint that points to a specific sports-related theme.
The puzzle is part of a long-running series that tests knowledge of niche sports terms and trivia.
- Yellow group hint: Ball in basket
- Green group hint: One for the non-Americans
- Blue group hint: It’s (not) coming home
- Purple group hint: Flexible flyers
Groupings and Answers
Here are the themes and the words that fit each group.
| Group | Hint | Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Ball in basket | drain, drill, sink, swish |
| Green | One for the non-Americans | bail, ball, bat, stump |
| Blue | It’s (not) coming home | Argentina, France, Germany, Spain |
| Purple | Flexible flyers | bile (Simone Biles), chile (Jordan Chiles), le (Suni Le), mille (Shannon Miller) |
The answers reveal a mix of basketball terminology, cricket equipment, recent World Cup champions, and gymnast names altered by removing a letter.
Key Takeaways
- The puzzle tests diverse sports knowledge across multiple disciplines.
- Each group’s hint cleverly points to a specific sport or theme.
- Solvers can enjoy the challenge online or via the News Of Fort Worth app.

Whether you’re a seasoned sports puzzle enthusiast or just looking for a quick brain workout, the Dec. 30 edition offers a satisfying challenge that blends wordplay with sports knowledge.

