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NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle #488 was published for Saturday, January 24, 2026. Start with the hints below if you want to solve it yourself; the category names and full answer groups follow, with spoilers clearly marked.
How to approach Connections Sports Edition #488
The puzzle presents 16 words to sort into four groups of four. The task, as Parade relayed the NYT site’s instruction, is to “group sports terms that share a common thread.” Look for a shared meaning or word pattern, and use the indirect hints below before opening the answer key.
Hints for the January 24 puzzle
- Yellow: Smack!
- Green: Collectibles.
- Blue: Puck pros.
- Purple: Toss it.
Spoilers: categories and answers
The category labels and groups below reveal the complete solution.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
#1 Best Overall
Yellow — HIT
DECK, PUNCH, SLUG, STRIKE
Green — SPORTS MEMORABILIA
AUTOGRAPH, JERSEY, POSTER, TRADING CARD
Blue — FORMER NHL TEAMS, IN SINGULAR FORM
COYOTE, NORDIQUE, THRASHER, WHALER
Purple — ENDS IN A SYNONYM FOR THROW
BLOB, SHUFFLING, SURPASS, WOODCHUCK
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