Watch Party PHL leads charge for Phillys first womens sports bar

Philadelphia plans to open the nation’s first women’s sports bar in 2026, spearheaded by Jen Leary and her team from Watch Party PHL. This venture aims to create a vibrant space for fans to gather and celebrate women’s athletics, addressing the current lack of such venues in the city. Leary, a firefighter and founder of a local nonprofit, identified the need for a dedicated place to watch women’s sports during the pandemic. The bar will serve coffee and treats during the morning and transition to higher-end bar food and drinks in the evening. It will also feature design elements honoring the history of women’s sports, starting with the Dolly Vardens, one of the first women's teams established in Philadelphia in 1867.

This initiative coincides with Philadelphia's bid for a WNBA team and the expansion of leagues like the United Soccer League. As other cities witness a rise in women’s sports bars, Philadelphia seeks to take the lead in this burgeoning movement. The success of this venture will rely on securing funding and the perfect location in the Midtown Village/Bella Vista area.