Sports Connections Hints: Jul 18, 2026

This page shows spoiler‑layered hints for the NYT Sports Connections puzzle published on Jul 18, 2026 (2026-07-18). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full board when you're ready.

Meta: Sports puzzle #947

Puzzle #947 · 2026-07-18 · 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 #947 for 2026-07-18, 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: COMBAT SPORTS SETTINGS, HOCKEY PENALTIES, SPORTS DOCUMENTARIES 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.

COMBAT SPORTS SETTINGS
HOCKEY PENALTIES
SPORTS DOCUMENTARIES
ENDS IN A GOLF CLUB

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.

COMBAT SPORTS SETTINGS

RING

MAT

CAGE

OCTAGON

HOCKEY PENALTIES

FIGHTING

HIGH-STICKING

INTERFERENCE

TRIPPING

SPORTS DOCUMENTARIES

HOOP DREAMS

SENNA

ICARUS

FREE SOLO

ENDS IN A GOLF CLUB

SPUTTER

RED RIVER

GRIDIRON

HARDWOOD

Reveal full answer

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