The growth of women’s sports bars shows no sign of stopping

Women's sports are undeniably on the rise, but we know that’s not news to you. With spaces, apparel, and coverage finally catching up to demand, the historically underserved women’s sports community is now showcasing its buying power to prove the value of the industry — and everyone is taking notice.

Barely a day goes by without a new major investment, endorsement deal, or attendance milestone in women’s sports. Plus, more comprehensive media deals, along with increased exposure have made it easier than ever to watch your fave athletes and leagues.

• Growing right along with the popularity of these leagues is the demand for women’s sports merch — a market currently valued at over $4B — and a place to watch games.

A few months ago, we highlighted some of our favorite women’s sports bars and since then, things have only become bigger and better. Just like athletes finally getting the training facilities they deserve, women’s sports fans are done settling for the smallest TV in the bar.

Women’s History Month provides a great opportunity to honor the contributions of past trailblazers, but today we’re showcasing a new school of business owners who are shooting their shot. Cheers to that.

In hindsight, Jenny Nguyen’s opening of The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, seems like a no-brainer. In reality, the world’s first women’s sports bar was a risk Nguyen bet her life savings on — and won.

• With the help of her community and 635 Kickstarter contributors, The Sports Bra raised the necessary funding — and all during the COVID-19 pandemic, when banks were less than eager to offer loans for new restaurants.

• This timing worked out, however, as The Sports Bra officially opened its doors on April 1st, 2022, just in time for the NCAA Women’s Final Four, Since then, the media coverage, opportunities, and growth just haven’t stopped.

Rough & Tumble in Seattle, Washington, opened shortly after The Sports Bra in December 2022, and quickly established itself as one of the top sports bars in town. Its founder, Jen Barnes, is a Seattle legend and part of the ownership group for new USL W League team, Salmon Bay FC. Goals, literally.

• Barnes opened a bar for women’s sports and took it even further, creating a space that prioritizes equality so that everyone can feel safe watching the sports they love.

Rounding out the OGs, is A Bar of Their Own (ABOTO) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is confidently heading into its second year of operations. Founder Jillian Hiscock’s establishment is the perfect example of manifesting success, with Minnesota’s PHWL and WNBA teams both reaching the finals last year. Other cities, take note.

• ABOTO has established itself as a big hitter in the Twin Cities sports and culinary landscape, as living icon Billie Jean King can attest.

🥃 Whiskey Girl Tavern (WGT) | Chicago, Illinois: Named after their very good dog, co-owners Heather and Christina Roberts’ tavern puts the spotlight on women’s sports while also offering live music, comedy, trivia, and karaoke. If the front page of the Chicago Tribune means anything, WGT is an important part of the Windy City’s thriving sports scene.

👀 Watch Me! Sports Bar | Long Beach, California: Jax Diener’s decades-long dream to own a bar that shows women’s sports (with sound) caught some serious momentum after The Sports Bra opened its doors. Now Diener and her wife Megan “Emme” Eddy have created the space they wish they had growing up, proving the haters wrong along the way.

⚽ The 99ers | Denver, Colorado: Founders Annie Weaver and Miranda Spencer named their spot after the barrier-breaking USWNT squad that won the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup. After three months of operation, the bar already serves as an official destination for Unrivaled watch parties and partner for Denver’s yet-to-be-named NWSL expansion club.

🎉 The W Sports Bar | Cleveland, Ohio: Rumor has it, it’s only a matter of time until Believeland gets a franchise. When that happens, the W Sports Bar — which is poised to open in Spring 2025 — will be leading the celebration.

• In the meantime, co-owners Ally Eclarin, Cassy Kopp, and Shelley Pippin are hosting watch parties (with donuts) and fostering the growth of an already-passionate women’s sports community.

📜 Title 9 Sports Bar | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Named after the pivotal piece of legislation prohibiting sex-based discrimination, founder Sherree Goldstein is gearing up to open Title 9 this spring. The Steel City bar will showcase all kinds of women athletes and is sure to be a hot-spot for future Pitt volleyball games.

🏒 While the wait is on for a dedicated women’s sports bar in Canada, Toronto’s Left Field Brewery and The Dock Ellis are hockey fans’ one-stop-shop for PWHL games.

It’s not overdramatic to say that watching your team win (or lose) in a packed bar is a transformative experience. Sports are meant to be watched with others, and all the places mentioned here are providing that community for both new and seasoned women’s sports fans.

You know The GIST had to get in on the action and what better time than Super Bowl weekend? For the big game, co-founder Ellen Hyslop teamed up with Jen Barnes at Rough & Tumble to host our first post-pandemic IRL watch party.

• There was a live pregame show, athlete appearances, photo opps, games, prizes, and of course, killer swag bags for attendees.

With March Madness right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to connect with fellow sports fans — and yes, there’s even a men’s version of the tournament. *winks*

• Once again, the women’s tournament is projected to break viewership records and push the game to new heights.

• Big names like USC’s JuJu Watkins and UConn standout Paige Bueckers, the projected No. 1 WNBA draft pick, will make this another tourney to remember.

• Even if your city doesn’t have a dedicated women’s sports bar (yet), show up and prove the power of women’s sports fans. The demand is there — let’s make it undeniable.