The latest edition of the NYT Connections: Sports puzzle, released on July 13, 2025, introduces a variety of engaging themes including golf errors, notable Rams teams, and iconic Sacramento Kings legends. This interactive game, which combines sports knowledge with wordplay, is available weekly through The Athletic and encourages players to test their memory and reasoning skills.
Each puzzle, designated as No. 293 for this week, features color-coded difficulty levels ranging from yellow to purple. Players can enjoy a fresh mix of words and themes, designed to offer both entertainment and a mental challenge. The sports-themed version of NYT Connections made its debut on Super Bowl Sunday and has since gained popularity for its logic-driven gameplay, with new puzzles released daily at midnight.
Today’s Themes and Challenges
The current puzzle showcases a variety of clever groupings that emphasize different aspects of sports culture. The yellow group presents the day’s easiest challenge, focusing on golfing mishaps. Terms like “duff,” “flub,” “mishit,” and “shank” capture the essence of a golfer’s unfortunate moments, providing a lighthearted entry point for players.
The green group shifts focus to team mascots and spirit, specifically highlighting the Los Angeles Rams. This cluster includes teams such as Colorado State, Rhode Island, and VCU, all of which share a horned identity and celebrate the same athletic spirit across various levels of competition.
In a more challenging segment, the blue group pays tribute to legends from the Sacramento Kings roster. Players will encounter names like Vlade Divac, Chris Webber, and Pete Stojaković, all of whom have left a significant mark on the court. This group serves as a nostalgic reminder of the team’s glory days while testing players’ recall abilities.
The purple group presents the most difficult challenge, featuring the word “Free” as a prefix. This cluster includes terms such as “agent,” “kick,” “safety,” and “throw,” each associated with important concepts in the sports world. This cleverly structured group requires players to think critically about the connections between these terms.
The Growth of NYT Connections
The NYT Connections Sports edition offers a well-balanced game with a variety of themes, combining straightforward sports terminology with broader cultural references. The color-coded system enhances the gameplay experience, making it easier for players to navigate through the different levels of difficulty. Yellow indicates the easiest challenges, while purple presents the ultimate test.
Players find that the game not only assesses their knowledge but also engages their pattern-seeking abilities. Incorrect guesses often provide new insights, encouraging players to rethink their strategies and enhance their problem-solving skills. The game’s rhythm becomes evident as players rearrange their thoughts to uncover missed connections.
Despite being available exclusively outside the NYT Games app, the Sports edition continues to grow in popularity. Fans of sports, wordplay, and mental challenges return week after week for a fresh experience. The game requires no downloads or sign-ins, allowing for straightforward access to engaging content.
Today’s puzzle is another excellent addition to the expanding archive of NYT Connections. For those who successfully completed the challenge, congratulations are in order. For others still working through the clues, there is always time to refine your skills. A new puzzle arrives at midnight, promising fresh layouts and unexpected surprises. The excitement for what lies ahead keeps players eagerly anticipating their next challenge.