The Sports Bra, a women's sports bar franchise, is coming to Boston
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The Sports Bra, a franchise dedicated to women's sports, is expanding to Boston, the company announced this week.
The big picture: The Sports Bra is will be the third Boston-area bar to show predominantly women's sports — a space that's on the rise in the U.S.
What's happening: The Sports Bra didn't say when or where the Boston franchise would open, but noted that it would air games from the Boston Fleet hockey team, Boston Legacy FC and other women's sports teams.
- Franchises are also opening in Indianapolis, Las Vegas and St. Louis, the company announced.
The Sports Bra will be in good company in Boston, joining Parlor Sports in Somerville and fully-women-owned Drawdown Brewing in Jamaica Plain.
Zoom out: Six women's sports bars have opened this year, with as many as 17 on the way.
What they're saying: The bars "galvanize the community," says Kaitlyn Laabs, who is making a documentary about women's sports bars called "Untapped."
- "They've become centers of social, economic and political power in the communities where they exist."
The vibe: Bar owners mix the fun and camaraderie of team sports with an atmosphere that's welcoming to everyone, including nontraditional sports fans and the LGBTQ+ community.
- "Let's bring people in that have always been a little timid about going to a sports bar," says Monica Brady, co-owner of upcoming Kansas City women's sports bar The Dub.
Friction point: Some bar owners, such as Watch Me! owner Jax Diener, have gotten sexist and anti-LGBTQ+ hate.
Between the lines: Many of these bar owners also struggle to secure small-business loans, increasing the barrier to opening, Laabs says.
- Brady tells Axios she and her business partner were rejected for a loan four times. She said lenders cited high collateral requirements, risk, and inexperience in the industry as factors in the rejections.
- Many women's sports bar owners have turned to crowdfunding.
Stunning stat: In 2023, women received less than a third of the Small Business Administration's loans despite owning about 43% of America's small businesses, according to the SBA.
- Women are also denied loans more often than men and receive less funding on average, according to the Federal Reserve.
What's next: Untamed Spirits, a women's sports bar in Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood, is set to open June 7.