The NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for September 23, 2026, marks the 730th entry in the series. While the standard Connections puzzle remains popular, this sports-centric variation often tests deep roster knowledge and niche athletic history.
Today’s challenge leans into regional geography, legendary signal-callers, and the intersection of football and Hollywood. If you are stuck, here are the clues to help you solve the grid without giving everything away at once.
Broad Hints for Today’s Groups
- Yellow: These entities all call the “Bay State” home.
- Green: Signal-callers who have worn the Silver and Black.
- Blue: Champions who have reached the pinnacle of women’s professional golf.
- Purple: The concluding words of four famous football films.
Stronger Clues
If those broad categories didn’t quite do the trick, consider these more specific pointers:
- Yellow: This group mixes professional franchises with historic academic institutions located in Massachusetts.
- Green: While three of these quarterbacks are retired legends or former starters, the fourth, Kirk Cousins, is a recent addition to the Raiders roster for the 2026 season.
- Blue: Names like Lydia and Nelly should lead you toward the tee box.
- Purple: Think about movies like Remember the… or Friday Night…
SPOILER WARNING: The full answers and group titles for today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition are listed below. Do not scroll further if you want to keep guessing.
NYT Connections: Sports Edition Answers for September 23, 2026
Yellow: Teams/Schools in Massachusetts
BRUINS, CELTICS, HARVARD, UMASS
These are prominent athletic programs and professional teams based in the Bay State.
Green: Raiders QBs, Past and Present
CARR, COUSINS, GANNON, STABLER
This group spans the history of the Raiders franchise, from the “Snake” Stabler to Kirk Cousins, who joined the team in early 2026.
Blue: Women’s Golf Major Winners
INKSTER, KO, KORDA, PARK
These are iconic names on the LPGA tour who have secured victories at major championships.
Purple: Last Words in Football Movie Titles
BLUES, LIGHTS, TITANS, YARD
These words complete the titles of Varsity Blues, Friday Night Lights, Remember the Titans, and The Longest Yard.
