Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

NYT Connections has emerged as a daily cognitive ritual for many. The growing ecosystem of The New York Times word games, including Wordle, Mini Crossword, and Strands, showcases the continued hunger for language-based challenges.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition might be tough. The blue category is about a backyard game that I just don't think of as a true sport, and the purple category is one of those patented NYT word-trickery groups. Read on for hints and the answers.