The United States has witnessed a remarkable rise in the number of sports bars dedicated solely to women’s sports, representing a significant shift in both the sports and hospitality industries. At the start of the year, there were only six such establishments, but by year’s end, this number is expected to reach nearly two dozen. This surge in women’s sports bars is occurring not only in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco but also in smaller Midwestern towns such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City, Missouri.
A New Era in Sports Bars
This year has already seen the launch of three new women’s sports bars, including Title 9 Sports Grill in Phoenix and the 1972 Women’s Sports Pub in Austin, Texas. Another notable addition is Set the Bar in Omaha, Nebraska, which opened just in time for the Women’s March Madness basketball tournament. These establishments are part of a larger trend toward increasing spaces where fans of women’s sports can gather and celebrate their favorite teams and athletes.
The spread of these bars to both major metropolitan areas and smaller cities indicates a widespread and growing interest in women’s sports. They are not only creating new social spaces but are also fostering a sense of community among fans who have often felt sidelined in traditional, male-dominated sports bars. This development marks a new era in the hospitality industry, catering to an underserved market and promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Inspiration and Atmosphere
Molly Huyck, the owner of Set the Bar, found her inspiration from the United States’ first women’s sports bar, The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, and also from a visit to Seattle’s Rough & Tumble. Huyck’s goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, one that starkly contrasts with the often dark and unwelcoming atmospheres of typical sports bars. Her dedication to her establishment is further influenced by the memory of her late sister, Kelsey, making her venture deeply personal and profoundly impactful.
These new women’s sports bars are distinguished by their atmosphere and interior design, which prioritize warmth and inclusivity. Huyck’s use of bright colors and plants is a deliberate attempt to create an inviting space where fans of women’s sports feel comfortable and welcomed. This focus on atmosphere is a common theme among these new establishments, as they strive to cater to fans who may have felt unwelcome or out of place in traditional sports bars.
Rising Interest in Women’s Sports
The surge in the popularity of women’s sports has significantly contributed to the growth of women’s sports bars. This burgeoning interest is evident from the substantial viewership numbers and fan engagement at major sporting events. The Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball game, for instance, drew over 92,000 fans, marking the largest crowd ever for a women’s sports event. Similarly, the NCAA women’s basketball national championship game attracted 18.9 million viewers, making it the most-watched basketball game since 2019.
These figures underscore the growing appetite for women’s sports and the need for dedicated spaces where fans can gather and celebrate their passion. The increased interest and viewership in women’s sports are driving this trend, as more fans seek out inclusive and welcoming environments to enjoy the games. Women’s sports bars are not just filling a niche; they are responding to a genuine demand within the sports community.
Impact of Star Athletes
Star athletes like basketball player Caitlin Clark have played a significant role in boosting the popularity and viewership of women’s sports. Clark’s performances have significantly contributed to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) enjoying its most-watched season and highest game attendance in over two decades. Her impact, along with other high-profile athletes, is undeniable and reflects a broader trend toward recognizing and celebrating women’s sports.
The surge in viewership extends beyond basketball. Women’s soccer, hockey, and boxing have also experienced substantial increases in popularity. The National Women’s Soccer League secured a four-year, $240 million television deal, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which began in 2023, amassed over 100,000 YouTube subscribers in its first season. Historic events such as the Taylor-Serrano boxing rematch drew 74 million viewers worldwide, showcasing the broad and growing interest in women’s sports across different disciplines.
The Pioneering Role of The Sports Bra
The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, opened by Jenny Nguyen in April 2022, stands as a pioneering establishment in the realm of women’s sports bars. Often referred to as the United States’ first women’s sports bar, The Sports Bra has had a widespread influence on this rising trend. The bar’s success has set a precedent, and Nguyen’s mission to support women’s sports remains at the forefront of its operations.
The Sports Bra’s influence extends beyond Portland, as its model is being eyed for franchising. Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has pledged support for its expansion, highlighting the high level of interest from potential franchisees. However, the bar remains selective in its franchising process, ensuring any new establishments align with its commitment to supporting women’s sports and creating inclusive fan communities.
Challenges and Determination
The journey of new women’s sports bars is not without its challenges. NBC News spoke with six business owners poised to open women’s sports bars this year, all of whom were inspired by The Sports Bra. Among them are Jax Diener and her wife Emme Eddy, who opened Watch Me! Sports Bar in Long Beach, California. Diener, who had dreamed of such a bar for 30 years, launched the bar just before the 2024 Summer Olympics, despite initial franchising hurdles with Nguyen. Her motivation stemmed from experiences of feeling unwelcome in male-dominated sports bars.
While Diener’s initial vision wasn’t focused solely on women’s sports, her determination evolved into creating inclusive spaces for all sports fans. Watch Me! has diversified its offerings with events like trivia nights and live music to maintain patron engagement. This adaptability illustrates the resilience and commitment of entrepreneurs in this niche, striving to provide welcoming environments.
Funding and Financial Hurdles
Securing funding has been a common challenge among these entrepreneurs. Diener and Eddy tapped into their retirement savings and turned to crowdfunding to finance Watch Me!. Monica Brady and Rachel Glenn, who are working on opening The Dub in Kansas City, faced similar struggles. They hope to open by June 1, relying on pop-up events and merchandise sales to gather the necessary funds. The difficulties in obtaining business loans reflect wider financial hurdles experienced by many aspiring entrepreneurs in this field.
The perseverance of these business owners in the face of financial obstacles speaks volumes about their commitment to promoting women’s sports. Their willingness to invest personal savings and seek alternative funding methods underscores their dedication to this cause. The financial struggles also highlight the broader challenges faced by small businesses, particularly those targeting niche markets.
Personal Sacrifices
The story of Annie Weaver and Miranda Spencer, owners of The 99ers Sports Bar in Denver, exemplifies the personal sacrifices many entrepreneurs make. Balancing day jobs while managing the bar, they endured financial constraints and required personal investment. Their determination and resilience ultimately paid off when they secured a lease, celebrating their commitment to enhancing the sports bar experience for patrons.
The dedication of Weaver and Spencer, along with other bar owners, illustrates the passion driving this movement. Their personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity and celebrating women’s sports showcase the broader strides being made towards equality in the sports and hospitality industries. These entrepreneurs’ journeys are a testament to their belief in the importance of providing inclusive spaces for fans of women’s sports.
Creating Inclusive Spaces
Set the Bar, owned by Molly Huyck, stands out for its unique emphasis on creating an inviting atmosphere. Huyck’s use of bright colors and plants aims to establish a space that diverges from the typical sports bar look and feel. This attention to detail is part of a broader trend among women’s sports bars to create warm, inclusive environments that welcome all fans.
Inclusive spaces extend beyond interior design; they also focus on intentional inclusivity, particularly towards the LGBTQ community. This focus is part of a broader cultural shift towards creating more welcoming environments. Women’s sports bars are at the forefront of this movement, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the sports and hospitality industries.
Engaging Offerings
Distinctive offerings such as mocktails, local beers, and engagement-driven activities like trivia nights and live music are integral to these new sports bars. These features help maintain patron engagement and foster a sense of community, reminiscent of traditional sports fandom but in more inclusive settings.
Activities and events create dynamic environments where fans can gather, socialize, and celebrate their favorite sports. The commitment to inclusivity ensures that these spaces are welcoming to all, fostering a sense of belonging and community. This approach is transforming the traditional sports bar experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.
The Evolution of Sports Bars
The United States has seen a remarkable increase in the number of sports bars dedicated exclusively to women’s sports, signaling a major transformation in both the sports and hospitality sectors. At the beginning of this year, there were a mere six of these specialized establishments. However, by the conclusion of the year, this figure is projected to reach nearly two dozen.
This rapid expansion of women’s sports bars isn’t confined to major urban centers like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco; it’s also making its mark in smaller Midwestern cities. Places such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City, Missouri, are seeing the establishment of these unique venues. This trend reflects a growing recognition and appreciation for women’s sports, both from a business perspective and in terms of fan engagement.
Sports bars dedicated to women’s sports offer fans a place to watch and celebrate their favorite teams and athletes in a supportive environment. The increasing number of these venues highlights the rising popularity and importance of women’s sports across the nation. As these bars continue to open in various locations, they contribute to the broader movement towards gender equality in sports and entertainment industries.
Overall, the surge in women’s sports bars represents a significant cultural shift, offering new opportunities for fans and businesses alike.
