NYT Sports Connections: July 16, 2026 Hints and Answers

This game is a version of the New York Times word game that tests sports fans' knowledge.
The game is about finding common threads between words. It resets after midnight and gets harder, so we have hints and tips to help.
You can find today's puzzle solution at the end of this article or keep reading for clues and strategies.
The New York Times and The Athletic launched this daily word game. It can be played on the web and mobile devices.
Each puzzle has 16 words, split into four categories. There's only one correct answer.
If you get all four words in a set correct, they're removed from the board. You can make up to four mistakes.
You can rearrange the board to make connections easier. Each group has a color: yellow, green, blue, and purple.
Want a hint about the categories without being told? Try these:
Yellow: Indiana
Green: Big dogs
Blue: Horse riding
Purple: Famous domes
Need a little extra help? Today's connections are about these categories:
Yellow: Indiana Teams
Green: Bulldogs
Blue: Equestrian Equipment
Purple: Dome
Looking for Wordle? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to solve today's puzzle.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Sports Connections is...
Indiana Teams: COLTS, FEVER, HOOSIERS, PACERS
Bulldogs: BUTLER, GONZAGA, MISSISSIPPI STATE, YALE
Equestrian Equipment: BIT, REINS, SADDLE, STIRRUPS
Dome: ASTRO, FARGO, GEORGIA, SUPER
Don't feel down if you didn't guess it. There will be new sports Connections tomorrow.
Are you playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Topics Connections
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