In recent years, women’s sports have gained unprecedented visibility and recognition, sparking a significant cultural shift in how they are perceived and celebrated. Following the opening of Portland’s The Sports Bra in April 2022—a groundbreaking establishment dedicated exclusively to championing women’s sports—other cities have joined the trend. The momentum continued with the launch of Seattle’s Rough & Tumble, Minneapolis’ A Bar of Their Own, and Long Beach’s Watch Me! in the summer of 2024. These venues serve not only as bars but as communal spaces that promote and support female athletes, a much-needed development in a historically male-dominated landscape.
At the forefront of this movement is The Sports Bra, founded by Jenny Nguyen. This establishment has established a model that extends beyond merely showing women’s sports events; it has become a symbol of empowerment and community. Nguyen passionately stated, “The Sports Bra has proven to be a lot bigger than just the four walls of our bar and restaurant.” By transitioning from a single location to a franchising model, The Sports Bra aims to propagate this movement, creating a network of spaces where women’s sports take center stage. This move brought the mission full circle: to empower women and girls and provide them with a platform to thrive.
The enticing franchise model introduced by The Sports Bra is receiving attention, especially following a significant investment from Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and an avid supporter of women’s sports initiatives. The official announcement of franchise opportunities has many aspiring franchisees eager to get on board, as evidenced by Nguyen’s assertion of increasing demand, stating, “I have personally heard from hundreds of people from 44 states and a dozen countries who are interested.” This indicates a burgeoning market eager for dedicated spaces for women’s sports, ripe for investment and development.
Numerous statistics point toward an exciting growth trajectory for women’s sports overall. The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, featuring equal representation of male and female athletes for the first time, signifies a landmark moment in sports history. Additionally, the WNBA continues to break viewership records, and new milestones in NCAA women’s games are reshaping the dialogue around female athletics. According to a recent report by Wasserman, media coverage for women’s sports nearly tripled, further substantiating the need for venues that celebrate and promote this content.
The economic implications are significant, aligning perfectly with Deloitte Insights’ projection that revenue from women’s elite sports will surpass $1 billion in 2024. This growing visibility and support from fans also translate into increased investment opportunities, making it an ideal climate for franchises like The Sports Bra to flourish.
The rise of women’s sports bars is not merely a trend but a reflection of shifting societal values. As more fans gather to support female athletes, these establishments are transforming into more than just bars—they are community hubs that foster inclusivity and a shared passion for women’s sports. Kate Delhagen, founder of Oregon Sports Angels, articulated the moment effectively: “More people are watching women play. More people are investing in watching women play.” This collective action not only enhances the profile of women’s sports but also encourages new generations of athletes and supporters.
As The Sports Bra looks to expand through franchising, it is clear that the time for women’s sports has arrived. With an estimated initial investment ranging from $292,500 to $893,500, the opportunity to invest is substantial and available to those who share a passion for enhancing women’s visibility in sports. Jenny Nguyen’s enthusiasm is palpable and serves as an invitation: “Now is the time to invest in The Sports Bra and help us do what we do best: support, elevate, and inspire women.”
The rise of women’s sports bars not only signifies a shift in the sports landscape but also presents an opportunity for investors and communities to come together in support of women’s achievements in athletics. It marks the beginning of a thrilling chapter in sports culture, one that prioritizes equity, visibility, and celebration of female athletes nationwide.
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