Sports Connections Hints: Feb 21, 2026

This page shows spoiler‑layered hints for the NYT Sports Connections puzzle published on Feb 21, 2026 (2026-02-21). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full board when you're ready.

Meta: Sports puzzle #724

Puzzle #724 · 2026-02-21 · 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 #724 for 2026-02-21, 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: MARYLAND TEAMS, SHAQUILLE O'NEAL NICKNAMES, ASSOCIATED WITH "THE NATURAL" 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.

  • MARYLAND TEAMS
  • SHAQUILLE O'NEAL NICKNAMES
  • ASSOCIATED WITH "THE NATURAL"
  • SPORTS THAT HAVE A DRIVER

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.

MARYLAND TEAMS

MIDSHIPMEN
TERRAPINS
ORIOLES
RAVENS

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL NICKNAMES

SHAQ
DIESEL
BIG ARISTOTLE
SUPERMAN

ASSOCIATED WITH "THE NATURAL"

WONDERBOY
HOBBS
BASEBALL
KNIGHTS

SPORTS THAT HAVE A DRIVER

GOLF
BOBSLED
F1
WATER POLO

Reveal full answer

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

MARYLAND TEAMS

MIDSHIPMEN
TERRAPINS
ORIOLES
RAVENS

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL NICKNAMES

SHAQ
DIESEL
BIG ARISTOTLE
SUPERMAN

ASSOCIATED WITH "THE NATURAL"

WONDERBOY
HOBBS
BASEBALL
KNIGHTS

SPORTS THAT HAVE A DRIVER

GOLF
BOBSLED
F1
WATER POLO

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