Australian-first Women’s Sports Bar Reflects Growing Public Interest

The launch of The Ladies League on Oxford Street in the coming months marks a significant step forward in the celebration and support of women’s sports in Australia. As the country’s first dedicated Women’s sports bar, it offers a dedicated space for fans to gather and enjoy women’s sporting events, reflecting the growing interest and demand for women’s sports.

The Ladies League will exclusively broadcast women’s games on six televisions and one big screen, catering to a fan base that has been steadily growing since the Matildas captivated audiences during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. “There’s a huge demand for a place where people can gather and enjoy women’s sports together,” says Rose Valente, founder of The Ladies League (TLL), which began as a women-led digital sports publication and online community in 2017.

Despite the record-breaking viewership of the Women’s World Cup—where the Matildas’ semi-final against England became the most-watched TV program in two decades—women’s sports fans still face challenges in Sydney. Coverage of women’s sports remains limited, accounting for only about 12 percent of total sports coverage in Australia. Finding venues that consistently screen women’s football, soccer, tennis, and cricket matches remains a challenge.

TLL foundation member Sarah Widera, who worked on the promotional team for the Women’s World Cup, emphasises the importance of having a dedicated space for women’s sports. “Women’s football is here and now, it’s having its moment,” says Widera, highlighting the need for a “spiritual home” for women’s sports fans.

The Ladies League follows in the footsteps of successful women’s sports bars in the US, such as The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, which reported nearly $1 million in revenue within its first eight months. The new venue on Oxford Street features two stories with an 80-seat capacity, a bar downstairs, and a viewing lounge upstairs, offering a vibrant space for fans to engage with women’s sports.

The bar’s menu, crafted by head chef Rojit Maharjan (formerly of Sunday Potts Point), includes shareable dishes like nachos, dumplings, and charcuterie. On major game nights, the kitchen will stay open until 11 pm. The bar will also offer two beer taps from Reckless Brewing Co, Australia’s largest female-led brewery, along with a selection of popular cocktails.

Valente is excited about contributing to the revitalisation of Darlinghurst with a venue that is proudly queer-friendly and open to all genders. “Oxford Street is a very important street, and the whole area is on the rise, it’s coming back,” Valente says, emphasising the venue’s role in fostering community and inclusivity.

The City of Sydney’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, notes the importance of diverse venues like The Ladies League in revitalising Oxford Street as a 24-hour cultural and creative precinct. “One of the things we heard was that Oxford Street needed more diverse venues, particularly for female-identifying members of the community,” Moore states, highlighting the need for inclusive spaces in the city’s development plans.

The opening of The Ladies League signifies a shift in the sports industry, recognising and supporting the growing audience for women’s sports and catering to a community that has long been underserved.