Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Sept. 17, #724

The New York Times has released the latest edition of its popular word-grouping game, Connections: Sports Edition, for September 17, 2026. Puzzle #724 challenges players to categorize sixteen sports-related terms into four distinct groups based on shared characteristics. As with the standard version of the game, players must navigate potential red herrings and tricky associations to solve the grid. This article provides a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, offering strategic hints for each category to assist those who may be struggling with the day's specific challenge. It also includes the full solution for those looking to verify their progress or complete the puzzle after exhausting their attempts. The Sports Edition continues to be a popular spin-off for fans of the daily NYT puzzle format, blending general knowledge with athletic terminology to test players' lateral thinking skills.