Australia’s first-ever women’s sports bar is shutting its doors just four months after opening.
The Ladies’ League (TLL) on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst, Sydney’s inner-west, announced its closure in a lengthy message on Instagram, blaming the cost of living crisis and low customer spending.
“It is with a heavy heart that we will not be re-opening the doors at The Ladies’ League,” the post began.
“As a women’s sports bar, we excelled. Anyone who attended a Matildas, Sydney FC, Grand Final etc game day at our venue knows what a show we can put on.
“Unfortunately it is outside of live games that we felt the struggle as much as any other hospitality venues in this economic climate.”
The owners said they could not afford to take any more financial risks to keep the bar open.
The companies that didn’t survive Australia’s cost of living crisis in 2024
“We had full belief we would not be in this position at this early stage,” the message continued.
“We have nothing but gratitude for everyone that supported us and apologise for this result.”
The post ended with the hope TLL’s closure wouldn’t “discourage anyone from opening a similar concept in future”.
“It’s unfortunately a hard reality of how people are choosing to spend their money at this stage”.
TLL had its grand opening in August 2024 and catered towards female sports fans, broadcasting live women’s sports matches including Matildas, NRLW, women’s basketball and NRLW five nights a week.
Founded by Rose Valente, the bar was the first of its kind in Australia.
It was due to reopen after the Christmas and New Year’s break today.
Plenty of customers took to the Instagram post to share dismay over TLL’s closure.
“TLL was an incredible and safe space. I only wish I lived closer to be able to support more often,” one person said.
“Thank you so much for everything. For creating such a warm and welcoming environment, for having the guts to give it a go,” another added.
