Everything needed to solve Connections Sports Edition #538.
By on March 14, 2026
Today’s Connections: Sports Edition is easy for those familiar with Conference Championship week. As we’ve mentioned in previous hints articles, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game designed to test sports fans’ knowledge. Like the original Connections, the game focuses on finding “common threads between words.” Resembling Wordle, Connections resets at midnight, and each new set of words becomes more challenging—so we’ve provided hints and tips to help you overcome the hurdle.
If you just want today’s puzzle answer, skip to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. Otherwise, keep reading for clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
What is Connections: Sports Edition?
The NYT’s latest daily word game is launched in association with The Athletic, a New York Times property providing sports coverage. Connections can be played on web browsers and mobile devices, requiring players to group four words sharing a commonality.
Each puzzle features 16 words divided into four categories. These sets can include anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Although multiple words might appear to fit together, only one correct answer exists.
If a player accurately matches all four words in a set, those words are removed from the board. Making a wrong guess counts as a mistake, and players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.
Players can rearrange and shuffle the board for easier spotting of connections. Additionally, each group is color-coded: yellow is the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, results can be shared on social media.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.
Here’s a hint for today’s Connections: Sports Edition categories
Do you want a hint about the categories without revealing them? Try these:
– Yellow: Basketball no-no’s
– Green: Next round of the tournament
– Blue: Women’s coaching GOATs
– Purple: CBB conference champions
Here are today’s Connections: Sports Edition categories
Need a bit more help? Today’s connections fall into the following categories:
– Yellow: Basketball Fouls
– Green: First Words in NCAA Tournament Rounds
– Blue: Women’s College Basketball Coaches
– Purple: Teams Qualified for the 2026 Men’s NCAA Tournament
Looking for Wordle today? Here’s the answer to today’s Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today’s puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today’s Connections: Sports Edition #538 is…
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
– Basketball Fouls – BLOCK, CHARGE, HOLD, REACH-IN
– First Words in NCAA Tournament Rounds – ELITE, FINAL, SECOND, SWEET
– Women’s College Basketball Coaches – AURIEMMA, CLOSE, IVEY, STALEY
– Teams Qualified for the 2026 Men’s NCAA Tournament – GONZAGA, HIGH POINT, QUEENS, TROY
Don’t feel disheartened if you didn’t manage it this time. There will be new sports Connections to challenge your brain tomorrow, and we’ll be back to offer more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.
If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Connections.