The NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for December 12, 2025, brings a quirky mix of themes that may challenge even seasoned players. If you’re stuck but still want to complete the grid, here are today’s hints and the full set of answers.

Published by The Athletic, the sports-oriented version of the popular Connections puzzle is available through The Athletic app and can also be played for free online. Unlike the regular NYT Games lineup, this edition doesn’t appear in the NYT Games app.

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Hints for Today’s Connections: Sports Edition (Dec. 12, #445)

Ranked from easiest (Yellow) to trickiest (Purple):

• Yellow Hint: A night out
• Green Hint: What’s the score?
• Blue Hint: Hit lightly
• Purple Hint: Woof!

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Answers for Today’s Connections: Sports Edition

Yellow Group — Bar Games

Darts, Pool, Pop-a-Shot, Shuffleboard

Green Group — Ways to Catch Up on the Game

Box Score, Highlights, Replay, Story

Blue Group — Softly Hit Baseball Terms

Blooper, Dribbler, Duck Snort, Texas Leaguer

Purple Group — Dog Show Groups

Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Working

These fun and sometimes unusual categories make today’s puzzle a playful challenge for sports fans and word lovers alike.