Sports Connections Hints: Jan 16, 2026
This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Sports Connectionspuzzle published on Jan 16, 2026 (2026-01-16). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full boardwhen you're ready.
Meta: Sports puzzle #688
Connections Sports #688 · 2026-01-16
Choose one group at a time
Each group has separate category and tile reveals. Open only the amount of help you want; the last reveal shows all available groups.
Group 1
Reveal category
PROTECTIVE GEAR
Reveal one tile
GLOVES
Reveal all four tiles
PROTECTIVE GEAR
- GLOVES
- HELMET
- MOUTH GUARD
- SHOULDER PADS
Group 2
Reveal category
HYPE
Reveal one tile
ANTICIPATION
Reveal all four tiles
HYPE
- ANTICIPATION
- BALLYHOO
- BUILDUP
- BUZZ
Group 3
Reveal category
SHARP THINGS
Reveal one tile
DART
Reveal all four tiles
SHARP THINGS
- DART
- ICE SKATE
- JAVELIN
- HAIRPIN TURN
Group 4
Reveal category
"SOUTHERN _____" SCHOOLS
Reveal one tile
MISS
Reveal all four tiles
"SOUTHERN _____" SCHOOLS
- MISS
- METHODIST
- CALIFORNIA
- ILLINOIS
Reveal full answer
PROTECTIVE GEAR
- GLOVES
- HELMET
- MOUTH GUARD
- SHOULDER PADS
HYPE
- ANTICIPATION
- BALLYHOO
- BUILDUP
- BUZZ
SHARP THINGS
- DART
- ICE SKATE
- JAVELIN
- HAIRPIN TURN
"SOUTHERN _____" SCHOOLS
- MISS
- METHODIST
- CALIFORNIA
- ILLINOIS
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