Solving NYT Connections Sports Edition: Strategies, Categories, and Tips

The New York Times (NYT) is a prestigious American daily newspaper founded on September 18, 1851, in New York City by Henry Jarvis Raymond and George Jones. It has established itself as a global leader in journalism, renowned for accurate, independent, and fair reporting. Its mission is to seek the truth and help people understand the world, a commitment reflected in its deployment of journalists worldwide to cover major historical events, often at personal risk[1][2][4]. Under the stewardship of Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr. and the Sulzberger family since 1896, The Times has become the largest local metropolitan newspaper in the U.S. and the third-largest overall, following The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Its digital presence is substantial, with its website attracting millions of unique visitors monthly, making it the most popular newspaper site in America[6]. Historically, The New York Times has played critical roles in shaping public discourse and policy. Notable achievements include exposing the corrupt Tweed Ring in 1871, landmark reporting on the Vietnam War classified documents in 1971, and the influential 1619 Project in 2019, which reevaluates the legacy of slavery in the U.S.[1][4]. It has earned 112 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization, underscoring its journalistic excellence[6]. The company has expanded beyond print into digital media, broadcasting, and online services, acquiring assets like About.com and Baseline StudioSystems, and previously co-launching the Discovery Times network[2]. It continues to innovate in news delivery, exemplified by its live COVID-19 briefing that engaged over 1,100 journalists[1]. The Times is distinguished by its iconic motto, “All the News That’s Fit to Print,” adapted for digital as “All the News That’s Fit to Click.” Its comprehensive coverage includes business, technology, science, arts, and politics, making it a vital source for

The Athletic is a **subscription-based digital sports media company** founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco. It specializes in **ad-free, in-depth sports journalism**, offering comprehensive coverage of over 250 professional and collegiate teams primarily in the US, Canada, and the UK. The company produces thousands of detailed articles, more than 120 podcasts, and premium video content, catering to sports fans seeking more than just scores and highlights[1][4][5]. Founded by Alex Mather (CEO) and Adam Hansmann (COO), The Athletic quickly distinguished itself by focusing on **high-quality, long-form storytelling and original reporting** without traditional advertising interruptions. It operates as a remote-friendly organization with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, and Melbourne, employing over 600 full-time staff, including more than 450 writers and editors[1][5]. A key milestone in The Athletic’s history was its **acquisition by The New York Times Company in January 2022 for $550 million in cash**. This strategic move has integrated The Athletic’s operations with the larger media conglomerate, leveraging The New York Times’ resources and facilities, particularly in New York City, to expand its global reach and leadership in sports journalism[1][4]. The Athletic has also been recognized as a great workplace, with employees citing a positive and dynamic culture focused on journalistic excellence and digital innovation[3]. The company holds several patents related to sports technology, reflecting its interest in combining media with technological advancements[2]. Overall, The Athletic stands out for pioneering a **direct-to-consumer subscription model in sports media**, emphasizing quality, depth, and user experience over traditional advertising-based revenue. Its evolution from a tech-savvy startup to a significant part of The New York Times portfolio marks its influence on the future of sports journalism and digital media[1][4][5].