Philly is preparing to welcome a groundbreaking addition to its sports and cultural landscape. Watch Party PHL has officially announced The Stoop Pigeon, a brick-and-mortar venue dedicated entirely to celebrating women’s sports and building community connections. Set to open in 2026, The Stoop Pigeon will be a one-of-a-kind gathering space designed to honor the passion, pride, and growing momentum behind women’s athletics in Philadelphia and beyond.
The concept was born from the tremendous success of Watch Party PHL, founded by Jen Leary in 2024. The idea emerged after Leary struggled to find a sports bar airing the Women’s March Madness Championship game. Determined not to miss it, she organized a spontaneous viewing party in Rittenhouse Square. That moment ignited a grassroots movement that quickly evolved into a citywide network of high-energy watch parties celebrating women’s sports.
Since then, the momentum behind women’s sports has continued to accelerate. National media coverage has increased by 275 percent in the last five years, reflecting unprecedented visibility. In Philadelphia, Watch Party PHL has hosted 75 watch parties at local venues including Dock Street Brewery, Yards Brewing Co., and South House—drawing an average of 400 attendees per month. These events have become an essential space for fans seeking community, representation, and a shared love of the game.
“The Stoop Pigeon will be an extension of our watch parties: inclusive and welcoming,” said Leary. “If you’re young or old, drink beer or coffee, have a business meeting, or just want to hang out with friends, this space is for you as long as you’re interested in women’s sports. We want people to feel at home and make this space their own.”
When it opens in 2026, The Stoop Pigeon will operate seven days a week, transforming fluidly throughout the day.
By day, the venue will serve as a café and collaborative workspace—welcoming students, remote workers, content creators, and community members looking for a place to gather or find focus. Visitors can meet for coffee, record a podcast, hold a study session, or simply recharge.
By night, the space will evolve into a women’s sports bar, offering an immersive viewing experience where the games take center stage. Large screens and high-quality audio will ensure fans can hear every play, every call, and every moment as it unfolds—an essential feature often missing from traditional sports bars.
Beyond sports, The Stoop Pigeon will also function as a cultural hub, hosting educational workshops, community forums, panels, podcasts, and special events designed to spark conversation, mentorship, and civic engagement across Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods.
The swift success of Watch Party PHL drew the attention of leaders across the city’s sports ecosystem—arriving at a moment when Philadelphia is experiencing a historic surge in support for women’s athletics. The announcement of a WNBA expansion team arriving in 2030 underscores a new era for professional women’s sports in the region.
Fueled by community enthusiasm and grassroots investment, Watch Party PHL has already surpassed $100,000 in early funding for The Stoop Pigeon. A Kickstarter campaign generated over $70,000 from more than 200 backers, marking one of the most successful sports-related crowdfunding efforts in the country. Additional support through GoFundMe and private contributions helped propel the project into its first structured funding round.
A Driving Force for Women’s Sports Culture in Philadelphia
Watch Party PHL has cemented itself as a powerful cultural and civic organizer. In addition to watch parties, the organization has hosted events centered on voter engagement, pay equity advocacy, and civic education, partnering with groups such as the Working Families Party, the Harris campaign, and WNBA star Kahleah Copper. These efforts demonstrate how women’s sports can intersect with community building and social change.
Leary also coined the now-iconic phrase “Philly Is a Women’s Sports Town,” created in partnership with GoHamm. The slogan went viral after actress Aubrey Plaza wore the co-designed shirt courtside at a WNBA game, bringing national attention to the movement and further amplifying Philadelphia’s identity as a city that champions women’s sports.
Watch Party PHL’s rapid rise and impact have helped position Philadelphia as a growing hub for women’s sports culture and a destination for professional teams and major sporting events. With the upcoming launch of The Stoop Pigeon, that legacy is set to grow even stronger.
For more information on Watch Party PHL and updates on The Stoop Pigeon’s development, visit www.thestooppigeon.com.
