A women’s sports bar in Portland, Oregon, called The Sports Bra has been a huge hit with fans, attracting a large crowd with its celebration of female athletes. The bar has announced plans to expand nationwide through a franchising model after only two years of opening. Founder and CEO Jenny Nguyen expressed surprise at the rapid success of the bar, which was originally built to provide a space for her and her friends to watch games and support female athletes. The franchise model will allow bars and entrepreneurs to apply to use The Sports Bra brand, with the condition that they share the bar’s values.
One potential partner interested in opening a franchise in Cincinnati is Jackie Reau, who views The Sports Bra as a place that celebrates women’s sports and the athletes behind the stories. The nationwide expansion will be supported by funding from a foundation created by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams. The rise in interest in women’s sports has been fueled by recent achievements like University of Iowa basketball player Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking performances. Events such as the women’s NCAA basketball championship game drawing more viewers than the men’s title match and Clark signing a $28 million deal with Nike highlight the growing popularity of women’s sports.
The surge in interest is not limited to basketball, as evidenced by other events like the record attendance at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and a University of Nebraska volleyball game drawing over 92,000 fans. Lauren Anderson, director of the Warsaw Sports Business Center at the University of Oregon, attributes the current momentum in women’s sports to a combination of factors creating a significant moment for the industry. Changing the culture of sports bars that traditionally catered to men’s athletics is a key focus for establishments like The Sports Bra. Other women’s sports bars like A Bar of Their Own in Minneapolis and Rough & Tumble in Seattle have also recently opened to cater to the growing demand.
Founder Jenny Nguyen recalls her experiences as a fan encountering unwelcoming environments at traditional sports bars, prompting her to create a space where women could enjoy games in a supportive atmosphere. Nguyen’s memorable moment at The Sports Bra was witnessing Serena Williams’ last match in 2022, where a large crowd gathered to watch the tennis legend play. The emotional atmosphere during the match highlighted the significance of having a space dedicated to women’s sports where fans can come together to celebrate athletes like Williams. The challenge of accessing women’s sports games due to limited TV broadcasts and streaming options underscores the importance of women’s sports bars as reliable venues for viewing events.
Tarlan Chahardovali, an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, emphasizes the need for continued investment and support to ensure the sustained growth and recognition of women’s sports in the media market. While the current moment in women’s sports is exciting and promising, maintaining the momentum and ensuring equitable coverage for female athletes will require ongoing efforts. The success of women’s sports bars like The Sports Bra reflects a growing demand for spaces that prioritize women’s sports and provide a welcoming environment for fans to enjoy games and support female athletes.
