Back-to-back sporting events … with a hint to the answers to the italicized clues - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a classic example of a "revealer" in a themed crossword puzzle. These types of clues perform double duty: they have their own answer based on a direct definition, and that answer simultaneously explains the trick or theme connecting other clues in the puzzle (in this case, the italicized ones). It's the key that unlocks the whole construction.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken into two distinct parts:

"Back-to-back sporting events...": This is the literal, definitional part of the clue. It's asking for a specific term used when two games, typically involving the same two teams, are played consecutively on the same day. This is most common in baseball.
"...with a hint to the answers to the italicized clues": This is the meta-puzzle part. It explicitly tells the solver that the answer to this clue will help them understand the theme of the italicized clues. The answer, DOUBLEHEADERS, suggests a theme related to 'doubles' or 'headers'. A likely theme would be that the answers to the italicized clues are two-word phrases, where each word can be preceded by "DOUBLE" to form a new, common phrase (e.g., if a theme answer were PLAY DATE, it would work because of DOUBLE PLAY and DOUBLE DATE).

Thinking Approaches

A solver might arrive at the answer through a few different paths:

The Direct Route: If you're a sports fan, the phrase "back-to-back sporting events" might immediately bring the correct term to mind. You'd fill it in and then have an "aha!" moment about how it relates to the other theme entries.
The Thematic Route: You might solve one or two of the italicized clues first. By noticing the pattern in those answers, you could reverse-engineer the theme. You'd ask yourself, "What's a phrase that describes this 'doubling' concept and also means 'back-to-back games'?" This would lead you to the revealer.
The Crossings Route: As always, using the crossing entries is crucial. If you're unsure about the term or the theme, filling in the letters from perpendicular clues will gradually reveal the answer and help you confirm your suspicions.

Background Context

The term DOUBLEHEADER is most famously associated with Major League Baseball. Historically, they were a common way to make up for games postponed due to rain or to attract more fans for a single day's admission. While less frequent today due to players' union agreements and television schedules, they are still a part of the game's fabric.

In crossword construction, revealers like this are a constructor's favorite tool. They provide a satisfying conclusion to the puzzle's theme, tying all the related entries together under one clever umbrella concept.

Conclusion

This clue is a great example of how the NYT crossword can be more than just a vocabulary test. It combines a straightforward definition with a clever meta-puzzle, rewarding solvers who can think both literally and laterally. By solving this clue, you not only fill in a long answer but also gain the key to understanding the entire puzzle's architecture.

Hints

Hint 1: Think of a term from the world of sports, particularly baseball, for two games played on the same day.
Hint 2: This term is also a 'revealer' that explains the puzzle's overall theme, which has to do with pairs or the concept of 'two'.
Hint 3: The answer is a compound word. The first part means 'twofold,' and the second part can mean 'leading items' or 'top billing.'
Hint 4: The theme likely involves two-word answers where each word can be preceded by 'DOUBLE' to form a new, common phrase.