The Rise of Women’s Sports Bars: The Story of The Sports Bra

In a historic moment during the 2018 NCAA women’s basketball championship, Jenny Nguyen found herself in a noise-filled sports bar, unable to hear the game when Arike Ogunbowale made a game-winning shot for Notre Dame. This experience fueled Nguyen’s vision: a dedicated space for women’s sports.

Turning Frustration into Action

Nguyen envisioned a bar that highlighted women’s athletics, and in April 2022, she realized this dream by opening The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon. This establishment is recognized as the first bar exclusively celebrating women’s sports.

Challenges and Triumphs in Establishing The Sports Bra

Launching The Sports Bra posed significant challenges. Despite skepticism regarding the viewership of women’s sports, Nguyen committed her savings and initiated a Kickstarter campaign in February 2022. Within just eight days, she surpassed her $48,700 goal, ultimately raising over $105,000.

Within eight months of operation, The Sports Bra generated over $1 million in sales, dispelling doubts about the demand for venues that celebrate female sports.

A Space for Everyone

The Sports Bra is designed as an inclusive environment. Nguyen, a queer woman and the child of Vietnamese refugees, infused her personal essence into the bar’s ambiance. She expressed, “There are a lot of intersections in my life. In having this opportunity to build The Sports Bra, I’ve also had this opportunity to be intentional about creating a space that I felt good in.”

The bar’s menu features signature dishes, including “mom’s baby back ribs” and “Aunt Tina’s Vietnawings,” highlighting the culinary heritage of Nguyen’s background. Additional perks include gender-neutral bathrooms and a decor that celebrates female athletes, creating an inviting atmosphere for all visitors, including athletes who feel appreciated and recognized there.

Expansion Plans and Future Endeavors

The success of The Sports Bra has attracted the attention of notable investors, including Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis star Serena Williams. Ohanian noted, “The Sports Bra has proven to be a lot bigger than just the four walls of our bar and restaurant.” Nguyen emphasized that the next step involves expanding this concept, inviting other passionate individuals to franchise and open similar venues across the nation.

Interest in franchise opportunities has surged, with inquiries from across the United States and beyond. Nguyen recognizes that “there is enormous demand for more places like ours.”

The Evolution of Women’s Sports Culture

The ascension of The Sports Bra coincides with a broader movement in the sports industry, where women’s sports are experiencing unprecedented visibility. Upcoming events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics will feature equal representation for male and female athletes, marking a significant milestone.

Nguyen recalls the earlier days when finding content for women’s sports on TV was challenging; now, there is overwhelming interest from fans. She remarked, “We simply don’t have the supply for all the demand in our space.”

With ongoing developments, from merchandise to sponsorships, Nguyen’s aspirations have evolved beyond her initial goal of establishing a dozen locations. “Clearly, I didn’t dream big enough,” she acknowledged, as The Sports Bra continues to redefine the landscape for women’s sports.