The landscape of sports culture is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly with the emergence of women’s sports bars across the United States. This innovative concept serves as a dedicated venue where female athletes and their achievements are celebrated and promoted. Starting with the trailblazing establishment, The Sports Bra, which opened in Portland in April 2022, the movement has quickly gained momentum. Such establishments provide not just a space to watch games but also a platform for encouraging conversation and community engagement around women’s sports.
Not long after The Sports Bra opened, other similar bars began to pop up, notably Rough & Tumble in Seattle, A Bar of Their Own in Minneapolis, and Watch Me! in Long Beach, California. Each new venue adds to a growing chain that seeks to address a long-standing gender disparity in the sports industry. These bars exemplify a burgeoning cultural shift that acknowledges and promotes the immense potential of women’s sports.
With the success of The Sports Bra, its founder, Jenny Nguyen, announced plans for franchising, aiming to spread this concept to communities nationwide. “The Sports Bra has proven to be a lot bigger than just the four walls of our bar and restaurant,” Nguyen stated, highlighting that the venture transcends typical hospitality business models. Instead, it embraces a mission focused on empowering women and girls in sports.
The opportunity to become a franchisee is appealing, particularly for individuals who share a passion for women’s athletics. Franchisees are called to align with The Sports Bra’s ethos and actively participate in the mission to uplift and promote female athletes. The endeavor is not just about profit; it is about fostering a supportive environment where the achievements of women in sports are recognized and celebrated.
Support from prominent figures, such as Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, has provided a solid foundation for The Sports Bra’s expansion efforts. The market demand for venues that celebrate women’s sports has been validated by interest from potential franchisees across the country and beyond. “From where I sit, there is enormous demand for more places like ours,” Nguyen emphasized, citing inquiries from 44 states and a dozen countries. This is not only a testament to the concept but also reflects a broader societal shift in how women’s sports are perceived.
The rise in viewership of women’s sports—exemplified by record attendance at WNBA events and high ratings for NCAA women’s games—highlights this growing interest. According to a 2023 report, media coverage of women’s sports has tripled, while revenue generated by elite women’s sports is projected to exceed $1 billion in 2024. These statistics underline not only increased participation but also an economic opportunity for businesses that cater to this niche market.
As the number of women’s sports bars continues to increase, the movement stands to further revolutionize the landscape of sports entertainment. Each new establishment provides a communal space for fans to gather, share their passion, and collectively support female athletes. As Nguyen aptly puts it, this is a “Win-Nguyen” moment for women’s sports, signifying a unique opportunity to engage with a previously underserved demographic.
The franchise model introduced by The Sports Bra offers a chance for investors to be part of this groundbreaking venture. With an estimated initial investment ranging from $292,500 to $893,500, including a franchise fee, aspiring business owners have the chance to create spaces that celebrate women’s sports while engaging local communities. Furthermore, discounts for veterans and incentives for multiple units could make this opportunity even more accessible.
With the winds of change favoring women’s sports, businesses, investors, and sports fans are presented with a unique opportunity to engage in a movement that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sports industry. By investing in or supporting women’s sports bars, individuals become part of a collective mission aimed at redefining how women athletes are celebrated and supported. This isn’t just an investment in a franchise; it’s an investment in the future of women’s sports.