If you’re tackling today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, we’ve got you covered with helpful hints and the complete set of answers for Game #509, dated February 14, 2026.

Today’s grid offers a balanced mix of sports knowledge, with basketball fans likely to have a slight edge. If you’re stuck but still hoping to solve it yourself, start with the hints below before scrolling to the answers.

The Sports Edition is produced by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports platform owned by The New York Times. Unlike the regular Connections puzzle, it doesn’t appear in the NYT Games app but can be played via The Athletic’s app or website.

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Hints for Connections: Sports Edition #509

Here are clues for each category, arranged from the easiest (Yellow) to the toughest (Purple):

• Yellow Group Hint: A referee’s cue to halt action.
• Green Group Hint: High-flying basketball finishes.
• Blue Group Hint: Sharp-shooters who’ve won from beyond the arc.
• Purple Group Hint: Big Al belongs here too.

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Today’s Connections: Sports Edition Answers (February 14, 2026)

🟨 Yellow Group — Signal for Play to Stop

Answers: buzzer, horn, siren, whistle

🟩 Green Group — Dunks

Answers: 360, between-the-legs, reverse, windmill

🟦 Blue Group — NBA 3-Point Contest Winners

Answers: Herro, Hield, Love, Pierce

🟪 Purple Group — College Mascots

Answers: Big Al, Brutus, Otto, Rameses

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Basketball knowledge plays a key role in today’s puzzle, especially for identifying slam dunk styles and former NBA three-point contest champions.

If you’re also solving the regular Connections puzzle or other NYT Games like Wordle, check back daily for hints, strategies and full solutions.

Good luck with tomorrow’s grid! 🏀