At the start of 2025, only six bars in the U.S. were dedicated to showing women’s sports. By the end of the year, that number is expected to quadruple, with nearly two dozen women’s sports bars projected to open across the country—from New York to San Francisco, Cleveland to Kansas City.
This rapid growth marks a major cultural shift, as more fans and entrepreneurs invest in spaces that center and celebrate women athletes and the fans who love them.
A nationwide surge in support
The rise in women’s sports bars reflects a broader boom in women’s sports viewership. From record-breaking NCAA women’s basketball broadcasts to increasing visibility for the WNBA, NWSL, and women’s combat sports, fans are tuning in like never before.
These new establishments are doing more than just showing games—they’re redefining the sports bar experience. For decades, traditional sports bars have overwhelmingly catered to men’s leagues. Now, this new wave of women-centered spaces is challenging that norm by creating inclusive environments that amplify the talent and stories of women athletes.
Spotlight on new bars
Here are just a few standout additions to this growing movement:
Athena Keke’s – Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Slated to open in late spring 2025, Athena Keke’s is envisioned as a neighborhood hub for women’s sports fans, hosting community events and watch parties in an inclusive, welcoming space.
Wilka’s Sports Bar – Lower East Side, Manhattan
Inspired by the Polish word for wolf (“wilk”), Wilka’s will serve as a bold, empowering space for women’s sports and culture—reclaiming bar culture for fans of all genders.
The W Sports Bar – Cleveland
Set to open in the Gordon Square Arts District, The W will be Cleveland’s first bar dedicated to women’s sports, bringing visibility and pride to the city’s growing fan base.
The Dub – Kansas City
Opening in early 2025 near East 9th and Main, The Dub will be Kansas City’s first all-women’s sports bar, with plans to include local teams and regional partnerships.
Rikki’s – San Francisco
Named after LGBTQ+ activist Rikki Streicher, this Castro District bar will honor the intersection of queer history and women’s athletics, creating a powerful space for visibility and belonging.
Changing the sports culture
As fans continue to demand equal screen time and show up for women’s games with the same energy and loyalty as they do for men’s, these bars are becoming more than just places to watch a game—they’re community centers for a new kind of sports culture.
A culture that’s inclusive, empowering, and long overdue—and it’s here to stay.