Located in Portland, Oregon, this unique sports bar prides itself on primarily showing women’s sports. It first opened its doors in 2022, founded by CEO Jenny Nguyen, who combined her love of sports and food. As a chef and former basketball player, Nguyen aimed to create a space for community, but this has extended far beyond Oregon.
Flags, trophies and beer percentages surround the brightly covered bar. Memorabilia decorates the walls, many autographed and donated by female athletes.
Stereotypically, sports bars have not been the most inclusive spaces for all sports fans, often catering predominantly to male audiences and focusing on men’s sports. This has fostered a hyper-masculine culture that can be exclusionary to many. The lack of representation for women’s sports has long been an issue, but Nguyen’s bar has been hailed as a 'feminist landmark' by Cherry Bombe magazine.
When the bar first opened, its clientele were predominantly women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. However, over the past two years, it has evolved into a place where all members of the sports community come together to watch women’s sports. In an interview with NPR, Nguyen noted that they have become a 'cornerstone of the community for all folks.'
Nguyen cites the important phrase, 'If you can see it, you can be it.' Each year, millions of young girls are inspired to pursue sports that were once difficult for them to access, thanks to an increase of visibility of women in the sports media.
Before opening, Nguyen moved into her parents' basement to manage the financial risk. However, In the first eight months, Nguyen’s bar generated nearly one million dollars in revenue. Though it was a major gamble, the reward of serving not only her local community but also the wider community of women’s sports has been remarkable. In fact, the success of the bar was so astronomical that it helped Portland secure the bid to host the Basketball Women’s Final Four in 2030, with Senator Ron Wyden using the venue for the pitch.
Not only does the bar feature women’s sports, but their drink options also come from women-owned distilleries and food from local women purveyors. Nguyen's traditional recipes are inspired by the women in her life, notably her ‘Aunt Tina’s Vietna-wings.’ Even some of the furniture is crafted by girls from a local nonprofit, Girls Build, which teaches young women the construction skill.
At the start of this year, Reddit Co-founder Alexi Ohanian (the husband of Serena Williams) has invested in the idea of a franchise. In addition, according to Nguyen, hundreds of inquiries have been received.
Although we lack this type of women’s sports bar in England, there are a growing number of pubs showing Women’s football. The website Fanzo is a brilliant place to work out which pubs near you are streaming the matches live.
Viewership for women’s sports is skyrocketing. People want to watch, and investing in women's sports and expanding media coverage is key to sustaining that growth.
Go and check The Sports Bra out!
Instagram: @thesportsbrapdx
