PRESS RELEASE: The Sports Bra to Open Another Location in Portland… Maine

Ann Freeman and Emily Lesher to bring the original women’s sports bar to the original Portland 

PORTLAND, Ore. and PORTLAND, Maine (March 12, 2026) — The Sports Bra, the world’s first sports bar dedicated exclusively to televising women’s sports, is officially opening another location in Portland. Today, The Sports Bra announced that its newest and fifth future franchise location will open in Portland, Maine, led by co-owners Ann Freeman and Emily Lesher of Watch Women’s Sports ME, LLC. 

The two Mainers met on the sidelines in 2017 while cheering for their daughters as they played soccer. Then, in 2018, they decided that the kids shouldn't be the only ones playing, so they formed a team for the local women's soccer league. They have been playing together at the Gorham Sports Complex ever since. Now, the two are teaming up on a whole new level to bring The Sports Bra’s mission to support, empower, and promote women and girls in sports to a city renowned for its vibrant community and world-class food scene.

“Why should Portland, Oregon, have all the fun? We’re bringing The Sports Bra to Portland, Maine, to create the dedicated community around women's sports that we couldn’t find for our own families,” said Freeman. “Portland brings together a renowned culinary scene with thriving youth, collegiate, and semi-pro women’s sports. We want to build a space that fosters and supports this incredible energy.”

The Maine franchise brings together two leaders with deep roots in the community. Ann Freeman grew up in Bowdoinham, Maine, and attended Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, where she played soccer and was a diver on the swim team. She has lived in Portland since 2005 with her husband and three daughters, all three of whom are athletes. She is an employment lawyer at a Portland-based law firm. She will manage operations and lead investor relations, public relations, and human resources. 

A Portlander since 2013, Emily Lesher serves as a chemistry professor who brings an analytical eye to the science of food. Outside of the classroom and lab, she has a heart for community advocacy. Her extensive volunteer work in Portland’s youth sports scene reflects her commitment to building accessible, inclusive spaces for athletes of all backgrounds. When it comes to her own athletic pursuits, she values participation over perfection and is always ready to join in any pick-up game with her family or friends. Lesher will manage suppliers and community partnerships while leading the operations alongside Freeman.

Together, they aim to highlight Maine’s unique position as a national leader in women-owned businesses. Maine currently ranks in the top 10 states for the economic clout of women-led enterprises, and nearly 43% of its agricultural producers are women.

The Sports Bra Maine will be a home for fans of local and national teams alike, from the Hearts of Pine/USL W to Portland campaign, to the WNBA, NWSL, and PWHL. It will also televise events like the Boston marathon, Olympics, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. “Portland has a vibrant sports scene, but dedicated spaces that specifically center and celebrate women's sports are noticeably absent. Until now,” said Lesher. “The Sports Bra will fill this void, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for fans to gather and cheer on women’s teams.”

The venue will also celebrate Maine’s legendary athletic heritage. Local icon and Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson, whose autographed shoes and bobblehead will have prime spots in the restaurant, is among the figures the owners hope to honor as they build this home for fans.

Jenny Nguyen, founder and CEO of The Sports Bra, shared her excitement for the expansion. “Portland, Maine, is a perfect fit for our mission,” she said. “Ann and Emily’s commitment to their community and their passion for women’s sports is exactly what we look for in local owners. We are thrilled to see the original Portland join the movement.”

Since opening its inaugural restaurant in Portland, Oregon, in 2022, The Sports Bra has changed the channel on the traditional sports bar experience by only televising women’s sports. Now, thanks to inspiring women athletes, enthusiastic fans, and an ever-growing demand for inclusive spaces that support and celebrate women and girls in sports, The Sports Bra is expanding its impact to cities across the U.S. In addition to Portland, Maine, other franchises are slated to open in Boston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and St. Louis.

As with the Portland, Oregon location, The Sports Bra Maine will be family-friendly and feature a menu of delicious food and drinks, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, and will source products from local women-owned businesses whenever possible, celebrating local flavors. Fans can expect a creative Pine Tree State twist on traditional pub fare. 

The Sports Bra Maine is currently scouting the perfect home for The Bra. The timing of the opening depends on how quickly they find a suitable location and how much time it will take to renovate the space. Freeman added, "We can't wait to serve this community and cheer on our favorite teams together!"

For more information and updates on the opening, follow The Sports Bra Maine on Instagram and Facebook @thesportsbramaine. Sign up for its email newsletter. For information on franchising, visit thesportsbrafranchise.com. 

Link to press kit with high-res images. 

About The Sports Bra
Founded in April 2022 in Portland, Oregon, The Sports Bra is the first sports bar that exclusively televises women’s sports. In 2025, The Sports Bra began its expansion through franchising and has plans to open locations in Boston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Portland, Maine, and St. Louis. The family-friendly bar and restaurant offers delicious food, great drinks, and an inclusive space that supports, empowers, and promotes the players and fans of women’s and girls’ sports. Visit TheSportsBraOfficial.com to find out what’s playing and what’s on the menu. 

Disclaimer: The Sports Bra offers franchises only pursuant to our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In addition, certain states regulate the offer and sale of franchises (California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin). If you are a resident of one of these states, are receiving this message in one of these states, or intend to operate a franchise in any of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with any applicable pre-sale registration and/or additional disclosure requirements in the applicable jurisdiction(s).