Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 24
The Athletic Publishes Puzzle No. 639 Answers, Rates June 24 Sports Connections 2.5 of 5
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 24

The Athletic Publishes Puzzle No. 639 Answers, Rates June 24 Sports Connections 2.5 of 5

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 24

Summary

  • Puzzle No. 639’s full solution was released on June 24, with The Athletic rating the Sports Edition board a 2.5-out-of-5 difficulty.
  • Four hint words previewed the categories before the reveal: DISCUS, FLURRY, BRAND and RACE.
  • The completed groups were throwing events; quick runs of activity; NBA Draft No. 1 picks—BRAND, TOWNS, WALL and WORTHY; and “_____ track” terms.
  • The Athletic also promoted a limited-edition Soccer Edition tied to the summer World Cup, while the next Sports Edition puzzle is scheduled for midnight local time.

Insights

With the World Cup underway, how will The Athletic's new puzzle compete in a crowded digital entertainment landscape?
As news outlets add puzzles for revenue, are they risking their core journalistic mission for daily clicks?