The United States is experiencing a remarkable surge in the popularity of women’s sports bars, with plans to significantly increase their presence across the country in 2025. This growing interest is evidenced by a projected quadrupling of these venues by year’s end.
The enthusiasm for women’s sports bars is not just anecdotal; it’s supported by an analysis that highlights the opening of three new bars this year alone, with an additional 14 poised to join the movement. These new establishments are set to open in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, as well as in smaller cities such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City, Missouri.
Expanding the Scene
This expansion coincides with events like Women’s March Madness, which has seen new venues open in Phoenix and Austin, namely Title 9 Sports Grill and 1972 Women’s Sports Pub, respectively. Set the Bar in Omaha is another recent addition, opening its doors just in time for the excitement of the Women’s Sweet 16.
In Denver, the 99ers Sports Bar, which opened last December, witnessed a record-setting crowd on the night the Professional Women’s Hockey League attracted an unprecedented number of fans to a local arena. The enthusiasm was palpable, with patrons eager to continue celebrating at the bar.
Creating Welcoming Spaces
The increasing popularity of women’s sports in the United States underscores the rising demand for inclusive spaces where fans can enjoy these events. Molly Huyck, owner of Set the Bar, emphasized the importance of having a welcoming sports bar. "You definitely have to ask to get women’s sports on and to ensure the audio is playing," she noted, highlighting the unique challenges faced by fans of women’s sports in traditional venues.
Viewership for women’s sports has surged in recent years, with basketball, hockey, soccer, and boxing drawing large audiences. In 2024, a boxing rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano captivated over 74 million viewers on streaming platforms, marking it as the most watched women’s sporting event in U.S. history.
Success Stories and Inspirations
One of the inspirations for the proliferation of women’s sports bars is the tremendous success of the Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon. Conceived by Jenny Nguyen in 2022, this bar has become a model for others looking to create similar environments. Nguyen reflected on her motivation, stating, "I realized that I had never been in a place where I felt seen and fully represented." This realization drove her to create a space that resonated with her experiences and aspirations.
Nguyen’s concept centers on a love for women’s sports, creating an inviting atmosphere that celebrates athletic achievements while providing a sense of community. "We’re proud of being lesbian-owned, but we lead with celebrating women’s sports," explained Jax Diener, co-owner of Long Beach’s Watch Me! sports bar.
The Future of Women’s Sports Bars
As the excitement around women’s sports continues to grow, more entrepreneurs are eager to contribute to this vibrant scene. In San Francisco, the upcoming opening of Rikki’s Women’s Sports Bar aims to coincide with the arrival of the city’s new WNBA franchise, The Valkyries.
Co-owner Danielle Thoe, who met her business partner playing soccer, expressed her vision for the bar, "We want our teammates to come after games, whether there’s something on to watch or not. As long as they support women’s sports, everyone is welcome."
Annie Weaver, co-owner of Denver’s 99ers Sports Bar, echoed the need for more women’s sports bars nationwide. "We need them all over the United States. Everybody deserves to have a space like this," she affirmed, underscoring the importance of accessible venues for enjoying women’s sports.
With viewership and interest in women’s sports at an all-time high, the establishment of women’s sports bars represents more than just a business opportunity; it reflects a cultural shift towards inclusivity and celebration of diverse athletic achievements. As more of these establishments open their doors, they provide not only a place to watch games but also a community hub for fans to connect and share their passion for sports.
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