Jenny Nguyen’s Sports Bra, a unique venue promoting women’s sports, receives a boost from Reddit co-founder’s 776 foundation, signalling growth and national franchising

In an exciting development for gender equality in sports viewership, The Sports Bra, the first sports bar exclusively featuring women’s sports, is set to expand thanks to substantial investment from Alexis Ohanian’s 776 Foundation. Launched in Portland in April 2022 by Jenny Nguyen, The Sports Bra was born out of a desire to provide a dedicated venue for the appreciation of women’s sports, often underrepresented in mainstream sports media.

Jenny Nguyen, inspired by her challenging experiences of watching women’s sports in conventional sports bars, founded The Sports Bra to create a space where women’s sports are not just an option but the main focus. Her commitment was galvanized during the 2018 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship when her request to watch the women’s game on the main screen was denied. This pivotal moment underscored the prevalent bias in sports broadcasting and spurred Nguyen to action.

Despite facing initial financial hurdles, including several loan rejections, Nguyen’s relentless drive and a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $100,000 confirmed the demand and support for her vision. The Sports Bra quickly became a hub for fans and athletes alike, celebrating women’s sports in a communal and supportive environment.

Alexis Ohanian, whose foundation is the first to invest in Nguyen’s business, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative on social media. He emphasized the exceptional talent in women’s sports and his commitment to enhancing their visibility and accessibility. The investment of 776 will not only help take The Sports Bra to a national level but also promises to reinvest any profits back into supporting women’s and girls’ sports.

Nguyen’s vision for The Sports Bra extends well beyond Portland. With the backing of Ohanian and 776, she plans to franchise the bar across the United States, leveraging the growing momentum around women’s sports. Her ambition is a testament to the potential for socially focused enterprises to instigate change and rally community support.

The impact of The Sports Bra and the visibility it provides to women athletes have resonated widely, drawing attention from notable figures such as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Oregon Senator Ron Wyden. Their visit to the bar to discuss the future of women’s sports, including the potential for a WNBA franchise in Portland, highlights the influential role The Sports Bra plays in the broader sports and cultural discourse.

This initiative arrives at a crucial time when interest in women’s sports is escalating, as evidenced by the record viewership of the recent NCAA women’s basketball championship. The game drew 18.7 million viewers, surpassing its male counterpart by four million, signaling a significant shift in audience engagement and commercial viability.

The expansion of The Sports Bra symbolizes a progressive step towards levelling the playing field in sports entertainment, providing a model for how dedicated spaces can elevate underrepresented groups. As it prepares to introduce its inclusive and celebratory environment to new cities, The Sports Bra not only promotes women’s sports but also champions the broader cause of gender equality in sports