Women’s Sports Bar Chain Announces New East Coast Expansion

The bar now has five future franchises in the works set to open across the U.S.

BY AVA LEVINSON, NEWS WRITER

The Sports Bra owners Emily Lesher and Ann Freeman (from left to right). (Photo via The Sports Bra)

The Sports Bra, the first bar dedicated exclusively to showing women’s sports, is opening a new location in Portland, Maine. It’s the fifth future franchise location, led by co-owners Ann Freeman and Emily Lesher. 

Founder Jenny Nguyen called Portland “a perfect fit” for the brand’s mission. The announcement comes days before Selection Sunday, when the NCAA reveals the March Madness brackets for the men’s and women’s tournaments.

A Second Portland Location

The Sports Bra’s original and only existing location is in Portland, Oregon. The bar first opened in 2022.

“Why should Portland, Oregon, have all the fun? We’re bringing the Sports Bra to Portland, Maine, to create the dedicated community around women’s sports that we couldn’t find for our own families,” Freeman said in the release. “Portland brings together a renowned culinary scene with thriving youth, collegiate, and semi-pro women’s sports. We want to build a space that fosters and supports this incredible energy.” 

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Maine is among the top 10 states whose women-led businesses have a strong impact on the economy. Almost 43 percent of the state’s agricultural producers are women, according to the company’s announcement. 

The bar plans to televise games from teams including the WNBA, NWSL, and PWHL, and major sports events like the Boston marathon, the Olympics, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Its menu items, which will include vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, will come from local women-owned businesses as possible. 

“Portland has a vibrant sports scene, but dedicated spaces that specifically center and celebrate women’s sports are noticeably absent. Until now,” said Lesher in the press release. “The Sports Bra will fill this void, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for fans to gather and cheer on women’s teams.” 

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