The date and puzzle number do not match across the available records. A January 29, 2026 player thread discusses Sports Edition puzzle #493, but an archive maps #493 to January 23 and January 29 to #499. Because the accessible listing with the January 29/#493 headline does not show its answer groups, the January 29 board cannot be verified here. Check the date and number shown on your game before using an answer key.
Why January 29 and #493 conflict
The discrepancy is between two kinds of evidence: players in a thread dated January 29 report solving #493, while the HintPulse archive assigns #493 to January 23, 2026, and assigns January 29 to #499. The forum discussion is a contemporaneous player report, not an official puzzle index; the archive provides a date-number mapping, but the available evidence does not establish which mapping is authoritative.
A NewsATW search listing carries a headline for January 29 and #493, but the accessible listing does not expose the answer groups. Its headline alone cannot verify the board. For that reason, the two possible answer sets below are identified by the archive’s dates, not presented as a confirmed answer key for January 29.
Archive answers for puzzle #493, dated January 23
According to the archive, puzzle #493 is dated January 23, 2026. Its four groups are:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Members of a Staff: COACH, MANAGER, SCOUT, TRAINER
- Words Used in NBA Venue Names: DOME, GARDEN, ARENA, FORUM
- Hall of Fame Pitchers, Familiarly: SATCHEL, CATFISH, SANDY, ROLLIE
- 76ers Head Coaches: NURSE, BROWN, CHEEKS, RIVERS
Archive answers for January 29, listed as #499
The same archive lists January 29, 2026, as puzzle #499, with these groups:
- Chess Pieces: ROOK, BISHOP, QUEEN, PAWN
- Gymnastics Terms: ROUND-OFF, HANDSPRING, TWIST, SALTO
- Premier League Golden Boot Winners: HAALAND, SALAH, SON, KANE
- Water _____: POLO, BOTTLE, HAZARD, BOY
These are archive entries and should not be treated as a verified January 29 #493 key. The January 29 player thread and the archive disagree on the number attached to that date.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to approach the board without relying on a disputed key
Connections: Sports Edition uses the familiar task of grouping related words, with sports-focused connections. If the date-number mismatch leaves you unsure which answer set matches your screen, solve from the words actually displayed rather than transferring a key from a different date.
- Look for a clear shared category. Identify words that have a specific relationship, such as roles, terminology, teams, or people, rather than grouping on a broad association alone.
- Check every word against the proposed connection. A plausible link between three words is not enough; the category must account for all four.
- Watch for words that fit more than one sports context. Save uncertain words until you can test them against the remaining board.
- Confirm the date and puzzle number on your game. The archive’s January 29 entry is #499, while its #493 entry is dated January 23.
The game is associated with The Athletic and NYT Games; a forum page links to The Athletic’s game. See The New York Times Connections overview for general context on the format.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
