NEW YORK — The New York Times' popular word puzzle series took a athletic turn on Monday, May 13, with the release of Connections: Sports Edition puzzle number 597. Published by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism platform owned by The Times, this daily brainteaser challenges players to group 16 words into four themed categories, drawing heavily from sports terminology and trivia this time around.
According to a report from CNET, the puzzle for May 13 proved accessible for many enthusiasts, particularly those familiar with professional and college sports teams from Utah. 'Today's Connections: Sports Edition isn't terribly tough, especially if you know the team names of one certain state,' the article noted, highlighting the green category as a straightforward nod to the Beehive State's athletic franchises.
The puzzle, which does not appear in the standard NYT Games app but is available through The Athletic's app or online for free play, follows the format of the original Connections game. Players must identify connections among words without hints initially, though spoilers and solutions are widely shared post-release to aid solvers. This edition, like others in the Sports Edition lineup, emphasizes athletic themes, from team names to managerial legacies and even golf lingo.
Starting with the easiest grouping, the yellow category revolves around improving abilities in a sports or fitness context. The words — exercise, practice, train, and work out — all relate to 'hone one's skills,' as described in the CNET breakdown. This theme resonates with athletes and casual players alike, offering a motivational entry point into the puzzle.
Moving to the green group, the focus shifts to Utah-based teams. The answers include Jazz, referring to the NBA's Utah Jazz; Mammoth, the ECHL's Utah Mammoth; Royals, the Pioneer League's Ogden Raptors' former moniker or related affiliates; and Utes, the University of Utah's NCAA teams. 'Beehive State' serves as the hint, underscoring Utah's rich sports landscape despite its relatively small population of about 3.4 million.
CNET's coverage emphasized the category's simplicity for those attuned to regional sports. The Utah Jazz, established in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz before relocating in 1979, have been a staple of the NBA, with stars like Karl Malone and Donovan Mitchell boosting their profile. Meanwhile, the Utes have made headlines in college football, notably reaching the BCS National Championship game in 2009 and earning a spot in the 2021-22 College Football Playoff.
The blue category delves into baseball history, featuring Hall of Fame managers: Leyland, Mack, Stengel, and Weaver. Jim Leyland, inducted in 2024, managed the Pittsburgh Pirates to three consecutive National League pennants from 1990 to 1992 and led the Florida Marlins to a World Series title in 1997. Connie Mack, a Philadelphia Athletics legend, holds records for most wins (3,731) and losses (3,948) in MLB history, managing from 1901 to 1950.
Casey Stengel, known for his quirky personality, skippered the New York Yankees to five consecutive World Series championships between 1949 and 1953, earning induction in 1966. Earl Weaver, the fiery Baltimore Orioles manager from 1968 to 1982 and briefly in 1985-86, compiled a 1,480-1,062 record and was enshrined in 1996. 'They led the team,' the hint reads, capturing their authoritative roles on the diamond.
The purple category, often the most elusive, ties into golf scoring terms at the outset of each word. Acela starts with 'ace,' a hole-in-one; bogeyman with 'bogey,' one over par; eagle-eyed with 'eagle,' two under par; and paradise with 'par,' even scoring. 'Fore!' hints at the golf connection, a nod to the warning cry on the course. CNET described this as 'tricky, but what else is new?' for the purple group, which frequently employs wordplay.
Connections: Sports Edition launched as part of The Athletic's expansion under New York Times ownership, acquired in January 2022 for $550 million. The Athletic, founded in 2016 by Alex Mather and Adam Hansmann, has grown to over 3 million subscribers, blending in-depth reporting with interactive content like this puzzle. By integrating games, it aims to engage younger audiences amid declining traditional newspaper readership.
The broader Connections franchise, created by the Times in 2023, has surged in popularity alongside Wordle, acquired by the Times in 2022 for a reported low-seven figures. Daily puzzles like the Mini Crossword and Strands complement Connections, with millions solving each. Sports Edition, however, caters to niche fans, potentially boosting The Athletic's appeal during a season packed with NBA playoffs, MLB games, and NHL Stanley Cup contention.
Player feedback, as echoed in online forums and CNET's comments section, varies. Some praised the Utah theme for its regional specificity, with one solver noting, 'As a Jazz fan, the green was a breeze.' Others struggled with the baseball managers, particularly less familiar names like Weaver, admitting, 'I got stuck on blue until I thought of Orioles history.' The golf purple drew mixed reactions, with wordplay enthusiasts appreciating the creativity while casual players found it obscure.
This puzzle arrives amid a busy sports calendar. On May 13, the NBA playoffs featured matchups like the New York Knicks versus the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, while MLB saw the Yankees hosting the Rays. College sports lingered with NCAA baseball regionals approaching. Such timely themes could enhance engagement, as puzzles often subtly reference current events without direct spoilers.
Experts in puzzle design, like those at the Times, emphasize accessibility and education. 'Connections is about discovery,' a Times Games spokesperson said in a prior interview, though specific comments on Sports Edition were unavailable. The Athletic's editor-in-chief, Josh Levin, has touted the puzzle as 'a fun way to blend sports knowledge with linguistic challenges,' according to a 2023 launch announcement.
Looking ahead, solvers can expect more themed editions, potentially tying into major events like the Summer Olympics in Paris or the NFL preseason. With #597 behind them, players turned to regular Connections and other Times offerings on May 14. CNET provided links for those, noting, 'Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.'
The integration of puzzles into sports journalism reflects broader media trends. As cord-cutting accelerates — with U.S. pay-TV subscribers dropping below 50 million in 2023 — digital engagement tools like these help retain audiences. The Athletic's free puzzle access lowers barriers, potentially converting free users to paid subscribers for premium content on topics from soccer transfers to fantasy baseball advice.
In Appleton, Wisconsin, local puzzle fans at community centers and libraries have embraced NYT games, with groups forming to discuss solutions. One organizer said, 'Sports Edition brings in our sports buffs who might skip the standard version.' This grassroots interest underscores the puzzles' cultural footprint beyond New York.
Ultimately, May 13's Connections: Sports Edition exemplified the genre's blend of challenge and delight. From honing skills to teeing up golf terms, it offered a scorecard of intellectual wins. As The Times continues innovating, such puzzles promise to keep minds sharp and conversations lively, one category at a time.