Sports Bars and Restaurants Embrace Women’s Sports Trend

The WNBA is gaining popularity in sports bars and restaurants across the country, with more establishments tuning in to women’s sports to attract a wider range of customers. Josh Pehlke, the general manager at Signature Bar & Restaurant in Chicago, has noticed a significant shift in the viewing habits of patrons.

Pehlke recalls a time when he had to beg and plead with bars to show WNBA games, but now, even when he’s not at work, he sees the games on TV at sports bars in Wrigleyville. The WNBA’s sellout crowds and record-breaking ratings have captured the attention of fans, with the ongoing finals matchup between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx drawing in viewers.

Women’s sports, in general, are experiencing a surge in popularity, with more fans tuning in to watch captivating rivalries and historic moments. Sports bars and restaurants are adjusting their marketing strategies to cater to this growing demand, with some establishments even opening specifically to cater to women’s sports.

Bar Louie CEO Brian Wright notes that there has been a paradigm shift in how women’s sports are viewed, with an increasing number of men requesting to watch WNBA games. At Twin Peaks, CEO Joe Hummel acknowledges that the gender gap among clientele is narrowing, with more customers showing interest in women’s sports.

Overall, the trend of women’s sports gaining popularity is expected to continue, with consumers believing that it will only grow in the future. As more fans lean into women’s athletics, sports bars and restaurants are adapting to meet the demand, ensuring that patrons can enjoy their favorite games away from home.