Answer: BOWLGAME

A bowl game is an end-of-season sports event usually played in college football. It is a postseason game where teams from different conferences compete against each other. The term "bowl game" originated from the shape of the stadiums where these games were traditionally held – they resembled large bowls. Bowl games are often seen as prestigious matchups and can have significant implications for the participating teams and their rankings.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Any of the six in football's "New Year's Six". Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.