About Connections: Sports Edition

Connections: Sports Edition might not be as popular as the regular Connections puzzle, but it’s a fun game that challenges sports fans since the categories are all over the map. You’re as likely to find an Olympics category as you are to find one on the NFL, the WNBA or Premier League soccer.

Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle was a toughie. Read on for hints and the answers.

Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Yellow group hint: It doesn’t matter who wins.

Green group hint: Get out your racket.

Blue group hint: Florida team.

Purple group hint: Don’t walk.

Yellow Group Theme

Yellow group: Game with no stakes.

Green Group Theme

Green group: Types of tennis courts.

Blue Group Theme

Blue group: Tampa Bay Rays.

Purple Group Theme

Purple group: ____ run.

The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Oct. 5, 2026.

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is game with no stakes.

The four answers are dead rubber, exhibition, friendly and scrimmage.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is types of tennis courts.

The four answers are carpet, clay, grass and hard.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is Tampa Bay Rays.

The four answers are Baker, Caminero, Jax and Walls.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is ____ run.

The four answers are earned, home, insurance and stretch.