On June 25, women's sports fans across the United States gathered in various sports bars to watch the Minnesota Lynx triumph over the New York Liberty in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Commissioner's Cup Championship. The event was sponsored by Coinbase, which has been a staunch supporter of the NBA and WNBA for the past three years. This sponsorship forms part of a broader, multi-year partnership between Coinbase and the basketball leagues, aimed at promoting women's sports and encouraging financial empowerment.

The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, was one of the many venues that hosted enthusiastic fans during the game. This bar, which exclusively broadcasts women’s sports, was packed to its capacity of 56 people. Attendees enjoyed classic bar food and were treated to one complimentary glass of beer or wine, courtesy of Coinbase. Each fan also received a free T-shirt, adding a tangible memento to their experience.

The Sports Bra wasn’t alone in this celebratory atmosphere; similar scenes unfolded in bars located in New York City, St. Paul, and Seattle. These events were coordinated through direct engagement between the bar owners and Coinbase, illustrating a hands-on approach by the crypto exchange in fostering a vibrant community of women’s sports enthusiasts.

Katie Leedy, the operations manager at The Sports Bra, shared her insights with Cointelegraph about the growing popularity of the WNBA. “The growth in the league has been huge. Selling out stadiums — that’s the first time it’s happened in the last couple of years,” Leedy remarked, highlighting a significant surge in fan engagement and attendance. The collaboration with Coinbase came about when Jenny Nguyen, the owner of The Sports Bra, was approached by the exchange to host a watch party. The event's success was a testament to the thriving partnership between these entities.

Coinbase’s chief marketing officer, Kate Rouch, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting both female athletes and women-owned businesses. “Encouraging women to participate in an updated, more empowering financial system is one reason we choose to partner with the WNBA. […] We’re proud to support female athletes, women-owned small businesses, and to celebrate in person with dedicated WNBA fans,” Rouch stated. This sponsorship aligns with Coinbase's broader mission of fostering financial inclusion and empowerment, particularly among women.

The Sports Bra has enjoyed remarkable success since its opening in February 2022. Touted as the world’s first women’s sports-only bar, it has swiftly become a popular venue, generating $1 million in revenue within its first eight months. This achievement was initially fueled by a successful Kickstarter campaign. Looking ahead, The Sports Bra plans to expand nationwide through franchising, supported by an investment from Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian’s 776 Foundation. This expansion underscores the bar's potential to become a significant player in the sports bar industry, offering a dedicated space for women's sports fans.

Coinbase's sponsorship of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship and its involvement in these celebratory events reflect a strategic move to bolster community engagement and support women in sports. By backing the game and facilitating fan gatherings in sports bars, Coinbase is not only promoting the WNBA but also creating opportunities for fans to connect and celebrate together. This approach highlights the positive impact of corporate sponsorship in sports, showcasing how businesses can play a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility and popularity of women's sports.

In conclusion, Coinbase's active involvement in supporting the WNBA and women's sports bars represents a meaningful contribution to the growth and development of women's sports. By fostering a sense of community and providing tangible support to both athletes and fans, Coinbase is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant sports culture. This partnership serves as a model for how corporate entities can effectively contribute to the empowerment and promotion of women's sports, ensuring that the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding these events continue to grow.