Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Sept. 22, #729

The New York Times has released the latest edition of its popular word-grouping game, Connections: Sports Edition, for September 22, 2026. Puzzle #729 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 overlapping categories to successfully solve the grid. This edition focuses specifically on terminology, athletes, and concepts within the world of sports. For those struggling to find the connections, the article provides a series of progressive hints, ranging from general category descriptions to the final reveal of the solution. Whether you are a casual player or a dedicated fan of NYT games, these tips are designed to help you maintain your winning streak without spoiling the entire puzzle prematurely.