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The Triangle boasts a bustling sports market that features a rich mix of major and minor professional teams — including two top-level women’s programs — three ACC schools and a host of smaller colleges, almost all of which have achieved high levels of athletic success
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And while there are plenty of places to watch sports in the Triangle — both in-person and on television screens — there is one glaring void a pair of local entrepreneurs aim to fill: a space dedicated to showing all women’s sports, all the time.
Amanda Kupris and Sabrina McMillan have announced an initiative to open a women’s sports bar, Her Sports Club, in 2027. The goal is to create a casual, beverage-focused space that highlights women’s athletics. Like any traditional sports bar, they want it to feature vintage memorabilia and honor female sports pioneers from North Carolina.
“There was an absence in having a safe space for women’s sports fans to get together,” McMillan said. “With the downfall of the latest WNBA bid, that’s when we were like, ‘We have to show them that the fans are here.’ It’s something that is desired, and to help bring more women’s sports organizations here.”
Her Sports Club remains an idea on paper while Kupris and McMillan seek a location. This has been the biggest challenge.
They want to find a place in a walkable location, such as a shopping center, with nearby restaurants or room for food trucks. It won’t have a full-service kitchen to start. They’d prefer to open the bar in Raleigh, though a central location between Duke, N.C. State and UNC is an option.
Kupris and McMillan have spoken to investors and are pursuing grants for women-owned businesses. They recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund initial startup costs, as well. Anyone who gives to the Kickstarter or formally invests will be honored at the venue.
“We want it built by the community, so we want their hands in it,” McMillan said. “We have a lot of opportunities for people to be a part.”
The business partners were inspired by “The Sports Bra” in Portland, Oregon, among other locations.
“It’s been an inspiration to show that it is working there,” Kupris said. “There is a community that wants this, and it’s growing.”
The same way “The Sports Bra” has become a destination, Kupris and McMillan want the same for Her Sports Club; one where women are the norm, not an exception.
If someone visits a traditional sports bar, they often have to request a women’s event be put on a television, and those businesses do not always have access to the broadcast platforms.
“Sometimes when you go to those bars, some people feel preyed upon,” Kupris said. “Or if you ask to have (the channel) changed, people kind of heckle you a little bit for doing so. It makes you feel less comfortable to go out and connect with people.”
Kupris and McMillan repeatedly used the word “safe” to describe the environment they want for the establishment.
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“Our goal is to fill the void, wherever there’s not a dedicated space for women’s sports,” We’re not trying to make it a whole takeover, but we want to make sure there’s a safe space every place for people to watch women’s sports.”
One of Kara Lawson’s staff members notified the Duke women’s basketball coach of Her Court Collective. She hadn’t heard of the group, but liked the concept of bringing fans together.
“I went to one of their events, just to say hello and thank them for supporting the greater women’s basketball community as a whole,” Lawson said before an open practice. “It wasn’t even about Duke. I think there are so many women’s basketball fans in the triangle, more than we even realize. … It was a chance to thank them for what they’re doing.”
HCC attended multiple Duke women’s basketball games last season, giving members an opportunity to experience game day at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Lawson invited the group back, saying she wants the Blue Devils to be one of the organization’s first — if not the first — call.
McMillan said the group “would be nothing” without Lawson’s support, who helped organize the visits. Those opportunities helped garner the engagement and create connections, leading to gatherings with other teams and support for the bar.
“We’re just super excited to create this space for people to come, watch, and have spaces for conversations, sisterhood and things to do,” McMillan said.
The Raleigh-Durham media market is the 22nd largest in the country, even without an NFL, NBA or MLB franchise. It is the country’s largest market without any of the big three men’s franchises, though it does have the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes based in Raleigh.
In addition to Duke, N.C. State and North Carolina, the Triangle is home to Shaw University, N.C. Central, the AUSL’s Carolina Blaze and the NWSL’s North Carolina Courage. Greensboro has an Upshot Basketball team, and there is a rugby club team based in Raleigh. Kupris and McMillan have worked to build relationships across the Triangle.
“They’re super excited,” McMillan said. “They’re ready to have a designated hub for women’s sports, and we’re super excited to be that.”
Once Kupris and McMillan select a location, they already know their biggest competitor won’t be other businesses — it’s the couch. If the two can bring their vision to life — one that’s worth a drive or some money — they believe the Triangle has a sustainable women’s sports culture.
Lawson, who played at Tennessee and in the WNBA in the early 2000s, sees the growth. She sees the demand, and supports the effort.
“Sports is a shared experience. When we think back when we were young, about memorable times and memorable games that you’ve watched, it usually involves you with someone else,” Lawson said. “If you think about it, you’re watching it with your mom. You’re watching with your dad. You’re watching with your buddies. ‘Where were you when this happened?’ Anytime we can create that or people try to create that environment, I’m for that.”
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This story was originally published August 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM.