BY ELLIOT ACOSTA
Of all the ways to experience live sports, there’s something special about watching a game at your favorite sports bar. The indulgent food, the cold drinks, and the camaraderie of fellow fans cheering alongside you create an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate.
Unfortunately, for fans of women’s sports like the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), those experiences are often harder to come by. Despite record-breaking attendance and surging interest nationwide, WNBA games remain scarce—or sometimes even refused—on the televisions of Triangle sports bars.
As Triangle influencer and WNBA fanatic Joy Wilkerson of Joy Eats World shares, “I have had to ask to change the channel to specific WNBA and women’s college basketball games numerous times when entering a bar and noticing that all of the TVs have the same two games or sports talk shows on—and have even been told that they can’t change the channel in some instances.”
This lack of coverage has inspired grassroots efforts to bring the women’s sports community together. Some frustrated Triangle-based WNBA fans have self-organized on social media, forming groups like the Instagram chat RDU WNBA Watch Parties. Along with discussing highlights and games, the group also compiles lists of women’s basketball-friendly establishments, such as Wade Park’s Bru’s Public House.
Taking things a step further, Her Court Collective has emerged as a leading organizer of watch events for local WNBA fans. Founded by Sabrina McMillan, Raven Johnson, and Bianca Lambert, the group’s mission is to “bring together fans of women’s sports in our state by hosting events where community is being built, highlighting amazing organizations, and uplifting women’s sports.” The group has worked with bars like the elevated pub Brass Tap in downtown Raleigh to host WNBA watch parties that create a festive, game-day atmosphere.
Other local venues are also stepping up. The craft beer bar and bottle shop House of Hops in North Raleigh has become a go-to destination for WNBA fans, showcasing games—especially on Tuesday nights during the season—while offering a rotating lineup of food trucks and an impressive selection of beers.
And the momentum is growing. The newly announced E.O.’s Athletics Club, a downtown Durham sports bar set to open this fall, has already made a bold promise: at least 50% of its televisions will be tuned into women’s sports.
As interest in women’s sports continues to rise, the Triangle is beginning to answer the call. From grassroots organizers to local pubs and new sports bars, fans are finally finding spaces that celebrate women’s athletics—one watch party at a time.
