Australia’s first sports bar designed specifically for women has opened on Sydney’s Oxford Street, but drinkers are divided over what can be shown on TV.
The two-story venue, called The Ladies League, opened in August of this year with the aim of exclusively practicing women’s sports from start to finish.
The establishment’s founder, Rose Valente, says there is a great demand for a place where they can watch women’s sports together.
“When I started playing soccer, sometimes I would go to bars and I didn’t feel comfortable,” Valente said. alphabet.
‘There can be so much stupidity and negativity around women’s sport; Even when you watch men’s sports, you can go to some toxic sports bars where they ask you if you’re a fan or whatever.
‘Something deep inside me said: we need a place for women’s sports fans to gather. Australia has nothing like this.”
The bar, which opened during the Paris Olympics, is proving a success, but some fans object to its focus on women.
“Just be a sports bar,” one fan posted on TLL’s Instagram page.
Sydney Bar The Ladies League plays exclusively women’s sports from opening to closing hours
The bar was founded by Australian Rose Valente, who wanted a safe space in Sydney for fans to watch women’s sports.
‘Imagine if we had a men-only bar!’ commented another
“But having an all-male barbershop drives feminists crazy lol,” a third responded.
Some said female fans should support teams by attending games, with one commenter posting: “I think this is an awesome idea.” I love watching women’s sports and I’m a big fan; However, this is a fad and will not last long. It’s the same reason why women’s sports won’t grow much. “Not enough women come out to support him.”
Other fans praised the pioneering concept and said they will visit the bar soon.
“I can’t wait to see an NRLW game there,” said one.
‘I love it! More of these please!’ answered another.
We’ll have a beer soon! I love it! “Can’t wait to see @hawthornaflw,” a third posted.
Some Australians have objected to the bar only showing women’s sports on its TVs (a Ladies League employee pictured)
The owner says she is willing to show men’s sports if customers want (pictured, some of the bar’s decorations focused on women’s sports)
In the US, a women’s sports bar called The Sports Bra opened in Portland in 2022 and reportedly made almost $1 million in its first year.
However, banks in Australia turned down Valente for a loan, saying the venture was “too risky”, but she went ahead with the project and has great support from fans and professional athletes across the country.
“I have 100 percent faith that, at the very least, I will get my money back – that’s the faith I have in the women’s sports community,” she said.
‘That’s how sure I am that women’s sports need a space like this. I’m willing to put every dollar I have into it. I don’t mind not being able to get a loan for it; I knew I had to do it and I needed to make it happen. Banks don’t see passion.
‘The community is so healthy. It has been a great support. And I believe that if you do something positive, the community gives back; We all help each other, we all want to make each other better. You can really feel that in this place.”
Although the bar is committed to showing women’s sports, Valente says she is open to showing men’s sports if the game is particularly important.
“It all comes down to what our customers want,” Valente said. ‘I enjoy both men’s and women’s sport, but our core values are extremely important.
‘We will always support women’s sport, and I think the World Cup and the Olympics really convinced a lot of people how incredible our athletes are.
They are very marketable. People want to see them. “So we give the people what they want.”
