Creative director Maxime Béland said:

"The game takes place about six months after Conviction"

He also added:

"You’re going to see in the first half hour of the game where it’s not just the President coming to Sam and saying ‘I need your help yet again’. We’ve made it very personal for Sam"

Source

FIRST IT WAS HIS DAUGHTER

*echo-y screaming along with sounds of screeching tires and a large thump*

NOW IT'S HIS WIFE

"SAM. WE NEED YOU TO COME BACK."

"I already told you, I'm retired."

"IT'S THE TERRORISTS, SAM, THEY'VE GOT YOUR WIFE."

"But I'm not married."

"YOU ARE NOW. TO AMERICA."

SPLINTER CELL: BLACKLIST.