At a Glance
- Puzzle released Jan. 3, 2026 as NYT Connections: Sports Edition.
- Four groups: helmet parts, baseball pitches, boxer nominees, storm theme.
- Answers include chin strap, changeup, De Niro, court, etc.
- Why it matters: Fans can test knowledge and enjoy a daily brainteaser.
The New York Times’ Connections series returned on Jan. 3, 2026 with a sports-centric puzzle that challenged solvers to link words into four distinct themes. The edition, hosted on The Athletic’s app, blends football, baseball, cinema and meteorology for a unique crossword-style challenge.
Puzzle Overview
The puzzle follows the familiar Connections format, presenting 16 words that must be sorted into four groups of four. Each group has a hidden theme revealed only after the words are matched.
Group Themes and Answers
Here are the four themes and their four-word solutions.
- Helmet parts: chin strap, face mask, padding, shell
- Baseball pitches: changeup, cutter, slider, splitter
- Boxer nominees: De Niro, Stallone, Swank, Washington
- Storm theme: court, Hannah, Red, Seattle
How to Solve It
Solvers start by scanning the 16 words for commonalities. Clues such as “gridiron protection” or “fire it in there” hint at the underlying themes. Once a theme is identified, the remaining words are matched accordingly.
Key Takeaways
- The puzzle is part of the NYT Connections series released on Jan. 3, 2026.
- Four distinct themes: helmet parts, baseball pitches, boxer nominees, storm theme.
- Answers are readily available for fans who want to check their solutions.
The puzzle offers a fun way to engage with sports trivia and wordplay, keeping fans sharp and entertained.
