I grew up as an athlete. Basketball shaped me—not just as a sport but as a core part of my identity. My teammates were my closest friends, and my dad and I bonded over shooting hoops in the backyard. Sports made me who I am, and watching the explosion of women’s sports today is surreal. I can’t help but think about how empowering it would have been for little Lindsay to walk into one of these womens sports bars with my dad, grab wings, and watch TVs filled with women’s games. And let’s not forget the added impact of LGBTQ+ stars like Diana Taurasi and Alyssa Thomas leading the charge.
For decades, women’s sports fans have been an afterthought—fighting for airtime, recognition, and spaces to watch their favorite teams play. As of 2023, women’s sports made up just 15% of sports media coverage, despite record-breaking viewership. The 2023 Women’s World Cup surpassed 2 billion viewers. The WNBA is consistently shattering attendance records, and the NWSL signed the largest media rights deal in its history. Yet, until recently, dedicated spaces to watch these games were nearly nonexistent. That’s all changing now.
Womens sports bars are finally here, and they’re not just a trend—they’re a movement. Many of these spaces are owned by women, often queer women, creating inclusive environments where fans can come together, celebrate, and enjoy the game without feeling like an afterthought. From Portland to Chicago, from Denver to Minneapolis, here are some of the trailblazing sports bars leading the way.
The Sports Bra – Portland, OR
Woman Owned/Operated, Minority Owned/Operated, LGBTQIA+ Owned/Operated
It all started with The Sports Bra. Opened in 2022 by Jenny Nguyen, this Portland bar was the first of its kind: a sports bar dedicated exclusively to women’s sports. The concept was so overdue and so well-received that The Sports Bra quickly became a national sensation. The bar doesn’t just show women’s sports—it’s a rallying point for fans, a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ sports lovers, and a model for similar bars popping up across the country. With a menu that features local, women-owned food and drink vendors, The Sports Bra is more than just a bar—it’s a movement.
Rough & Tumble Pub – Seattle, WA
Woman Owned/Operated, LGBTQIA+ Owned/Operated
Inspired by The Sports Bra, Rough & Tumble Pub opened in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood in 2023. The pub was designed to be an energetic, welcoming space for fans of women’s sports, showing everything from NWSL games to NCAA women’s basketball tournaments. The response has been overwhelming—locals have embraced Rough & Tumble as their go-to spot for game nights, and visiting fans know they have a place to cheer on their teams. The womens sports bar also hosts watch parties for key matches, creating an electric atmosphere that rivals any traditional sports bar.
Watch Me! – Long Beach, CA
Woman Owned/Operated, LGBTQIA+ Owned/Operated
Long Beach is home to Watch Me!, a bar that has quickly become a hub for women’s sports fans and the LGBTQ+ community. Located in a city known for its vibrant queer scene, Watch Me! highlights the intersection of sports and community, offering a welcoming space for all fans. The bar’s lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and focus on inclusivity make it a standout. Whether it’s the WNBA Finals or an NWSL playoff match, Watch Me! is the place to be for SoCal women’s sports fans.
A Bar of Their Own – Minneapolis, MN
Woman Owned/Operated, LGBTQIA+ Owned/Operated
Minneapolis is known for its passionate sports fans, and now it has a dedicated space for those who love women’s sports. A Bar of Their Own is all about representation and inclusivity, showcasing women’s games on the big screen while fostering a community of dedicated fans. The bar is woman-owned and LGBTQ+-owned, making it a rare and important space in the city’s sports scene. Whether you’re catching a Minnesota Lynx game or celebrating an NWSL victory, this is the spot to do it.
Whiskey Girl Tavern – Chicago, IL
Woman Owned/Operated, LGBTQIA+ Owned/Operated
Chicago’s Whiskey Girl Tavern is the perfect mix of classic sports bar vibes with a mission to uplift women’s sports. Featuring an extensive beer list, hearty bar food, and walls covered with TVs tuned into women’s games, Whiskey Girl has become a go-to destination for fans. The bar regularly hosts themed events, from Women’s World Cup watch parties to celebrations of WNBA milestones, making it a favorite among Chicago’s growing women’s sports fanbase.
The 99ers Sports Bar – Denver, CO
Woman Owned/Operated, LGBTQIA+ Owned/Operated
Named after the legendary 1999 U.S. Women’s National Team that won the World Cup, The 99ers Sports Bar is all about celebrating the history and future of women’s sports. Located in Denver, this bar is a dream come true for soccer fans, showing everything from NWSL games to international women’s tournaments. With a focus on community engagement, The 99ers partners with local women’s teams and youth organizations to promote the growth of women’s sports at all levels.
Coming Soon: The Future of Women’s Sports Bars
The success of these bars has paved the way for even more openings in 2025. Here are a few to keep on your radar:
- The W Sports Bar – Cleveland, OH
- 1972 Women’s Sports Pub – Austin, TX
- The Changeup – San Francisco, CA
- Jolene Jolene Sports Bar – Atlanta, GA
- Babes Sports Bar – Chicago, IL
- Athena Keke’s at Fulton Hall
Womens sports bars aren’t just places to grab a drink and watch a game—they’re community hubs, cultural shifts, and statements of belonging. These spaces are setting the stage for a future where women’s sports are celebrated, respected, and impossible to ignore.
Women’s sports are here to stay.
