Rikki's Serves San Francisco Women's Sports Fans
The region's first women's sports bar offers a dedicated space for fans to watch games year-round.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Opened in June 2025, Rikki's is San Francisco's first women's sports bar created by owners Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich. The establishment caters to an underserved Bay Area market by streaming women's sports throughout the year.
Why it matters
The bar provides a dedicated community hub for fans of women's athletics as interest continues to surge in the region. Its opening coincides with the 2025 launch of the Golden State Valkyries, a franchise valued at $1 billion.
The Golden State Valkyries franchise boasts a $1 billion valuation and a minimum revenue of $100 million. Fans recently paid as much as $228 for the cheapest ticket to watch Finals Game 2.
The players
Danielle Thoe
She is a 36-year-old co-owner of Rikki's who helped secure investor funding for the establishment.
Sara Yergovich
She is a 37-year-old co-owner who founded the bar to provide a community space for women's sports fans.
Golden State Valkyries
This is a professional basketball team that joined the WNBA in 2025.
The details
Owners Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich secured funding by pitching investors and leveraged the establishment's legal classification as a restaurant to host youth sports teams and teen parties. The venue has seen increased attendance during WNBA playoff games, capitalizing on a growing interest in professional women's sports.
Timeline
June 2025: Rikki's opened in San Francisco.
October 9, 2026: Golden State played the Aces in Las Vegas.
December 2026: A professional women's hockey team will debut in San Jose.
January 2027: The San Francisco Signal volleyball team begins its season.
Market Landscape
Rikki's follows the model established by Portland's The Sports Bra, which proved the commercial viability of dedicated women's sports venues. This expansion marks a shift in the local market as franchises like the Valkyries build a permanent fan base in Northern California.
Fans in San Francisco gain a year-round venue to view matches, particularly as professional leagues like the WNBA and the upcoming volleyball and hockey teams grow in popularity. The business's restaurant classification also provides families with an accessible environment to host community events.
The takeaway
The rise of dedicated women's sports bars reflects a broader trend of increasing commercial investment in women's athletics. Local fans can expect more community-focused watch parties as new professional franchises begin their inaugural seasons in the region.
Further reading
For more on new businesses in the area, check out the San Francisco Openings & Closings section.
Live Poll
Do you believe dedicated women's sports bars provide valuable community spaces in your area?
