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Indianapolis is one of four cities planned for expansion by The Sports Bra, a sports-themed bar billed as the first concept to only show telecasts of women’s competitions.
Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 2022, The Sports Bra announced Tuesday its intention to open franchise locations in Indianapolis, Boston, Las Vegas and St. Louis.
Company CEO Jenny Nguyen referred to Portland and the upcoming cities as the “Starting Five” for The Sports Bra, and interest in the WNBA’s Indiana Fever was cited as a factor in expanding to Indianapolis.
“Together, we’re serving fans nationwide who are hungry for spaces that not only champion women’s sports but create a community where everyone feels like they belong,” Nguyen said in a written statement. “There is no better moment than this to open these places.”
The Sports Bra has yet to announce a location or timeline for the Indianapolis location.
The company’s announcement included data related to the rising popularity of women’s sports.
According to a recent report from advertising agency Barbarian and media brand The Gist, revenue generated by women’s sports was projected to reach $2.35 billion in 2024, or a 300% spike when compared with 2022. Media coverage of women’s sports has increased 275% during the past five years.
During the Fever’s 2024 season, the rookie campaign for star player Caitlin Clark, games featuring Clark averaged 1.18 million viewers on TV, according to Fox network executive Michael Mulvihill. The 1.18 million figure was nearly three times higher than the average for other WNBA games, which drew 394,000 viewers.
The Sports Bra announced plans to franchise in 2024 thanks to an investment from 776 Foundation, a nonprofit launched by Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian. The Sports Bra in Indianapolis will be owned and operated by a local franchisee.
According to a franchise disclosure document filed with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office, the total investment necessary to launch a location of The Sports Bra ranges from $304,400 to $889,050. That figure includes between $55,000 to $56,500 that must be paid to The Sports Bra or an affiliate.
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Fantastic news for Indy women’s sports fans!
It’s a bold strategy, Cotton–let’s see if it pays off for them.
The $15 Kale salad should be a huge hit….
You know how it’s going to end
What an awful name, good luck with that…
Actually, it’s perfect. It tells you exactly what they’re about in a whimsical way.
Surprised there’s no screaming about this being some kind of DEI ploy by the liberals.
The continued existence of the WNBA is evidence enough of that
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