
NYT Connections: Sports Edition for Nov. 2, #405
Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Nov. 2, 2025 (#405)
Written by Anish | Published: November 2, 2025.
The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition for November 2, 2025 (#405) brings an exciting challenge for sports fans and word puzzle enthusiasts alike. Developed by The Athletic, this special edition of the NYT Connections game blends the logic-based gameplay of the original with the thrill of sports trivia.
Unlike the standard NYT Connections, which appears in the NYT Games app, the Sports Edition is hosted on The Athletic’s platform and can be played for free online or through The Athletic app. Players must group 16 words into four sets of four, each sharing a common theme — and as always, some are delightfully tricky!
If you’re having trouble cracking today’s puzzle, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with hints, full answers, and insights below.
???? Yellow Group Hint: Sports where you need a certain piece of equipment

Theme: Racket sports
Answers: Badminton, Racquetball, Squash, Tennis
???? Green Group Hint: Do very well
Theme: Prosper
Answers: Blossom, Develop, Flourish, Grow
???? Blue Group Hint: Football position
Theme: Current NFL running backs
Answers: Cook, Hall, Swift, Walker
???? Purple Group Hint: Fore!
Theme: ____ golf
Answers: Disc, Links, Mini, Top
Puzzle Insights
Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle is a great blend of athletic and linguistic cleverness. The “racket sports” group tests your knowledge of less-common games like squash and racquetball. The “NFL running backs” group references stars like Dalvin Cook and D’Andre Swift, giving football fans a nice nod.
Meanwhile, the “____ golf” category might stump casual players — only true sports buffs could instantly connect TopGolf with Mini Golf or Disc Golf! Finally, the “Prosper” group added a nice touch of word association that balanced the sports-heavy categories.
How to Play NYT Connections: Sports Edition
- Visit The Athletic or open The Athletic app.
- Tap on Connections: Sports Edition.
- Review the 16 words and group them into four sets of four.
- Each group shares a hidden connection, from sports types to famous athletes.
It’s updated daily, just like the main NYT Connections puzzle — perfect for your morning sports and word fix!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where can I play NYT Connections: Sports Edition?
You can play it on The Athletic website or app. It’s free to play and updated daily.
Q2: How is the Sports Edition different from regular NYT Connections?
The Sports Edition focuses entirely on athletic themes — teams, players, equipment, and sports terms — while the original covers general knowledge.
Q3: Do I need a New York Times Games subscription to play?
No, this edition is available for free on The Athletic, though you may need a free account to track progress.
Q4: What time does the Sports Edition puzzle update?
The puzzle refreshes daily around midnight Eastern Time (ET).


