The Sports Bra’s success has created an opportunity to branch out into multiple franchises.
After two and a half years in Portland, Ore., the bar, which exclusively televises and promotes women’s sports, is ready to expand into other cities.
“The Sports Bra has proven to be a lot bigger than just the four walls of our bar and restaurant. It’s found its place in a movement—a movement that takes women’s sports to a whole new level,” Jenny Nguyen, founder and CEO of The Sports Bra, said in a press release. “Now, we are taking the next big step. It’s time to invite others to join our team to bring The Sports Bra to communities across the country. LFG!”
Did the announcement of Portland’s new W team get you hyped?! Well, the good news isn’t over yet!!! 🚨We’ve officially launched our franchise website, with all the stats to help you decide if you’re ready to invest in your own location of The Sports Bra! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/OwJGrR3OlT
— The Sports Bra (@TheSportsBraPDX) September 18, 2024
The Sports Bra opened in April 2022 and was established to value inclusivity. It’s also become lucrative as CNBC reported that it averaged more than $1 million in annual revenue since then.
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who invested in The Sports Bra, said he looks forward to extending the reach of the franchise.
“It begins! I couldn’t be more excited for the Sports Bra expansion — nationwide,” he said in a statement. “Everyone watches women’s sports and soon everyone will have a local sports bar to watch from.”
Nguyen said she’s heard from people nationally and in a dozen countries who are interested in learning about opportunity. She told CNBC she wants to announce a franchise in “three or four cities” by the end of 2024. Those locations would presumably open by the end of 2025 with another round of expansion sites set for 2026.
“Our team is ready to begin the work of finding the right people to join the team and help take The Sports Bra to cities across the U.S.” Nguyen added.
Rocking with our gold medalists at @TheSportsBraPDX 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/ITLW2Oq8vi
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) August 10, 2024
Perhaps the biggest challenge will be potential competition. As women’s sports and leagues like the WNBA are hitting record attendance and ratings numbers, the demand may invite other like-minded entrepreneurs into the space. For women’s sports enthusiasts like Nguyen, it’s the kind of potential problem they’ve always wanted.
[Image via The Sports Bra, CNBC]
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.