NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 22, 2026
Mashable
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The New York Times has introduced *Connections: Sports Edition*, a new word game designed for sports enthusiasts. Similar to its predecessor *Wordle*, this puzzle challenges players to group 16 words into four categories based on shared themes. The game resets daily, with each day's puzzle becoming progressively more difficult. Today's hint focuses on Olympic-related themes and U.S. women’s hockey players, offering clues such as "Future Olympic Hosts" and "U.S. Women's Hockey Players." This engaging format appeals to both casual gamers and serious sports fans looking for a mental workout.
The game is part of The New York Times' growing portfolio of interactive content, developed in collaboration with *The Athletic*, their sports-focused platform. Each puzzle features 16 words divided into four color-coded categories—yellow (easiest), green, blue, and purple (hardest). Players must correctly group the words to solve the puzzle, with up to four chances to make mistakes before losing. The game also allows for rearranging the board, adding a layer of strategy. This interactive element makes it both challenging and fun, appealing to those who enjoy word games like *Wordle*.
Today's specific categories include "Future Olympic Hosts," "U.S. Women’s Hockey Players," "Part of an Olympic Medal Ceremony," and "___Line." The hints provided are designed to guide players without giving away the answers outright. For example, "Future Olympic Hosts" might include cities or locations like Brisbane, Los Angeles, and Utah. Meanwhile, "___Line" could involve terms like "BLUE Line" or "FALL Line." These clues encourage critical thinking and creativity, making *Connections: Sports Edition* an excellent way to test one's sports knowledge.
The game's popularity lies in its simplicity and adaptability, similar to *Wordle*, which has dominated the gaming world. For tech-savvy readers, this underscores the New York Times' ability to innovate and capitalize on digital trends. As word games continue to gain traction, *Connections: Sports Edition* stands out as a unique offering tailored to sports fans. Its daily reset feature ensures fresh challenges, keeping players engaged and encouraging them to return each day for a new puzzle.
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Originally published on Mashable on 2/22/2026