PRESS RELEASE: The Sports Bra Launches Playmakers to Honor Young Athletes for National Girls & Women in Sports Day
The world’s first bar dedicated to women’s sports opens nominations for youth and collegiate leaders across five regions
PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 7, 2026) — In celebration of the upcoming National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), The Sports Bra, the world’s first sports bar dedicated to exclusively showing women’s sports, is launching Playmakers. The initiative honors youth, high school, and collegiate athletes for the leadership, teamwork, and heart they bring to their sports and communities. Playmakers is a direct extension of The Sports Bra’s mission: to create an environment that supports, empowers, and promotes girls and women in sports and throughout the community.
Beginning today, youth league directors, athletic directors, coaches, and community and family members in Portland, as well as expansion cities Boston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and St. Louis, are invited to nominate young women who embody the spirit of a Playmaker, someone who makes a positive impact both on and off the field, court, mat, pitch, track, pool, or wherever she plays.
“A Playmaker is someone who changes the game just by being who they are, both on and off the playing field,” said Jenny Nguyen, founder and CEO of The Sports Bra. “With this initiative, we’re honoring the courage and teamwork of the next generation. These athletes are the future of the movement, and we couldn’t be prouder to shine a light on them.”
Deborah Pleva, vice president of engagement at The Sports Bra, added, "If you’ve ever watched a coach draw up a play for a team, you know that X’s and O’s are all about preparation and belief. This February, the month of love, as we celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, those X’s and O’s mean even more: they stand for our love of the game and the girls who pour their hearts into it. With Playmakers, we are turning that love into action by celebrating the girls and women who are the future of sports.”
HOW TO NOMINATE A PLAYMAKER
Nominations are open to youth, middle school, high school, and collegiate athletes in the communities of The Sports Bra’s current and future locations. Nominations are open through Saturday, Jan. 31, with the selected Playmakers being announced on National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. Submissions can be made at the forms within our Playmakers Blog.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT | PARTNERING FOR EMPOWERMENT
In Portland, The Bra is partnering with Girls on the Run Greater Oregon to highlight their shared mission to inspire girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate their limitless potential. From Feb. 4-15, any athlete who visits The Bra will receive a small token of appreciation for their contribution and love of sports.
Through this initiative, both organizations aim to spark a local conversation about the importance of keeping girls active and ensuring they have the visibility they deserve.
NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
National Girls & Women in Sports Day began in 1987 to recognize women’s sports and honor Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her dedication to promoting equality in athletics. Since its beginnings, the day has become a vibrant annual movement co-founded and powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation. It honors the achievements of women athletes and leaders and acknowledges the significant impact and positive influence of sports participation.
Participation in sports can develop the confidence and character that help girls become strong leaders in all aspects of life. Today, The Sports Bra is excited to join the nationwide celebration of NGWSD, which inspires girls and women and continues the ongoing struggle for gender equity in sports.
“Ultimately, Playmakers is our way of ensuring the next generation knows their impact is seen and valued,” added Nguyen. “It’s our love letter to the future of women’s sports. XOXO from The Bra!”
For more information on the Playmakers campaign or to submit a nomination, visit our Playmakers Blog.
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. The family-friendly bar and restaurant offers great food, delicious drinks, and an inclusive space that supports, empowers, and promotes women’s athletes and women in the community. Founded on the mission of creating a space where fans can celebrate women’s athletics, it serves as a community hub for inclusivity, empowerment, and the love of the game. Visit TheSportsBraOfficial.com to find out what’s playing and what’s on the menu.