Sports Bra to open Indy franchise

The Sports Bra, a sports bar and restaurant that exclusively shows women’s sports, is expanding into the Indianapolis market.

A recent announcement on the company’s website states that after three years of success with its first location in Portland, Ore., it will open new franchises this year in Indianapolis, Boston, Las Vegas and St. Louis.

“With professional women’s sports teams like the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever, the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Boston Fleet, the Women’s Football Alliance’s St. Louis Slam, the Women’s National Football Conference’s Las Vegas Silver Stars and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Boston Legacy FC, these cities are primed for a game-changing addition to their sports scenes,” the announcement stated.

The announcement noted that interest in women’s sports is on the rise and cited a report from Barbarian and The GIST that revenue generated by women’s sports was projected to reach $2.35 billion in 2024 — a 300 percent increase from 2022. Media coverage of women’s sports also increased 275 percent over the past five years.

Lindsey Schalock, director of franchise development, stated that Indianapolis was picked because the city doesn’t simply support women’s sports — it celebrates them.

“Between the Fever and Butler University, the city has strong women’s athletic programs,” she stated. “The Sports Bra will provide a place for everyone to come and cheer on their team during home or away games and an inclusive space for anyone to come enjoy a meal and beverage of choice.”

Jenny Nguyen is founder and CEO of The Sports Bra.

“The first four franchises of The Sports Bra will join our OG Portland location to become the ‘Starting Five,’” she stated. “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. There is no better moment than this to open these places.”

The restaurants’ menus will include vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options, according to the announcement. Each new location will be locally owned and operated.

A specific location in Indianapolis has not yet been announced.

For more, visit thesportsbraofficial.com.