Sports Connections Hints: Feb 16, 2026

This page shows spoiler‑layered hints for the NYT Sports Connections puzzle published on Feb 16, 2026 (2026-02-16). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full board when you're ready.

Meta: Sports puzzle #719

Puzzle #719 · 2026-02-16 · sports

Step through today’s Connections hints

Start with broad themes, then reveal more detail about the groups and tiles only when you need it. The final button shows today's full group breakdown.

Puzzle reference: Connections #719 for 2026-02-16, edition sports, with a standard four-group board. Spoiler categories and tiles stay collapsed until you open the hint layers below.

Hint 1 – overall theme

There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.

Themes include: CALIFORNIA NBA TEAMS, IN A "SPORTSCENTER" BROADCAST, COACHED BY JIM HARBAUGH and 1 more.

Hint 2 – group titles

Here are the category names for each group. Try matching the tiles in the official game to these themes before you reveal any tiles.

  • CALIFORNIA NBA TEAMS
  • IN A "SPORTSCENTER" BROADCAST
  • COACHED BY JIM HARBAUGH
  • HOMOPHONES OF CY YOUNG AWARD WINNERS

Hint 3 – group tiles

Reveal the tiles for each group. If you only want a partial nudge, stop after reading one or two groups and go back to the official puzzle.

CALIFORNIA NBA TEAMS

CLIPPERS
LAKERS
KINGS
WARRIORS

IN A "SPORTSCENTER" BROADCAST

ANCHOR
HIGHLIGHTS
CHYRON
TICKER

COACHED BY JIM HARBAUGH

STANFORD
MICHIGAN
49ERS
CHARGERS

HOMOPHONES OF CY YOUNG AWARD WINNERS

SAIL
COAL
BURNS
COLOGNE

Reveal full answer

This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.

CALIFORNIA NBA TEAMS

CLIPPERS
LAKERS
KINGS
WARRIORS

IN A "SPORTSCENTER" BROADCAST

ANCHOR
HIGHLIGHTS
CHYRON
TICKER

COACHED BY JIM HARBAUGH

STANFORD
MICHIGAN
49ERS
CHARGERS

HOMOPHONES OF CY YOUNG AWARD WINNERS

SAIL
COAL
BURNS
COLOGNE

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