A bar for women’s sports will open in Seattle later this year

A new bar, Rough & Tumble Pub, is expected to open later this year, dedicated to showcasing women’s sports — a first of its kind in Seattle.

“We’re for a world where women are seen as winners: On the pitch, the courts, the sand, the surf. Everywhere, with equal opportunity,” Rough and Tumble Pub’s website read. “That’s why we created a place where women’s sports are celebrated on big screens, with big sound, good friends, and great food.”

Jen Barnes is the owner of this pub, which will open on Ballard Avenue. In 2021, when she couldn’t find any place to watch the OL Reign semi-final, Barnes realized it was up to her to create a space for women’s sports.

“Our door is open to everyone (kids too!). The beer is cold, laughs are easy, and the game is on. Our dream is that this will be a place of comfort, fun, and belonging,” Rough and Tumble Pub’s website read. “Here, we rally for women who are champions. Come on in, kick back, tune in, and turn it up. We can’t wait to see you.”

The Pacific Northwest is spearheading the women’s sports bar industry, with the first-ever women’s sports bar, The Sports Bra, opening earlier this year in Portland.

Portland’s The Sports Bra is the first bar in the world to exclusively air women’s sports

The WNBA reported a year-over-year viewership increase of 51%. In February, the WNBA announced they raised $75 million from investors to further develop the league and provide players with higher salaries and improved benefits.

ESPN even started a fantasy league for the WNBA, which launched this year.

Last week, Sue Bird played her final regular season home game for the Seattle Storm. The all-time WNBA assist leader has led the franchise to 18 playoff appearances — and four championships — during her 21-year career.

Sue Bird plays final regular season home game with Storm

Meanwhile, the OL Reign has a 91-51-56 record over its 10-season history.  Laura Harvey, the team’s head coach, led the team to two consecutive NWSL Shield wins in 2014 and 2015.

Other nationally-televised women’s sports are continuing to expand. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament averaged 3.5 million viewers during the Final Four, a 20% increase from 2021. The title game between South Carolina and UConn on ESPN averaged 4.85 million viewers, the most watched championship game since 2004.

Last year’s U.S. Open final between Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez averaged 2.4 million viewers. It was the most watched women’s final not involving Serena Williams, who announced her retirement last week.

By comparison, the Men’s Finals between Daniel Medvedev and Novak Djokovic averaged 2.1 million viewers.

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