Title
Celebrating the work of Watch Party PHL and the Philadelphia Sisters in building an inclusive and inspiring community-centered hub for women’s professional sports in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Watch Party PHL was founded in 2024 to bring together women’s sports fans across Philadelphia through monthly watch parties-creating a safe, inclusive community that celebrates women’s basketball, soccer, tennis, and more, with the sound on, and a spirit of connection and belonging; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2019, the Philadelphia Sisters have been at the forefront of efforts to bring professional women’s sports to the city, partnering with the 76ers, Comcast, and community leaders to secure Philadelphia’s long-awaited WNBA franchise; and
WHEREAS, In close to two years, Watch Party PHL has grown into a vibrant movement, drawing hundreds of supporters to events, launching a podcast that highlights women-owned, Black-owned, LGBTQ-owned businesses and sports advocates in Philadelphia and amplifies community leaders and athletes in women’s sports; and
WHEREAS, Advocating for Philadelphia women’s sports equity across the world, the Philadelphia Sisters have led the charge bringing communities together with key stakeholders and investors. They have engaged with the WNBA repeatedly, overcome multiple setbacks, worked through delays as WNBA teams were awarded to other cities, and remained hyper-focused on leveling the playing field for sports equity in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Watch Party PHL is now channeling this energy into plans for a premier women’s sports hub planned to open by Spring 2026 envisioned as a co-working cafe by day, restaurant and watch bar by night, and special events space, it will set a new standard for fandom everywhere, providing a place where the community can gather to celebrate women's sports of the present, and honor the local heroes of the past; and
WHEREAS, The WNBA represents just the beginning, as the Philadelphia Sisters are establishing a model to demonstrate how women’s professional sports can not only take root but truly thrive in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The launch of this new venture will coincide with Philadelphia’s growing profile as a global sports destination including the upcoming MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup 2026, and PGA Championship and, with the long-awaited selection of Philadelphia as home to a new WNBA franchise in 2030, will further affirm that Philly is a women’s sports town and lay the foundation to welcome additional women’s professional leagues, such as the NWSL, PWHL, and more; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is among a growing number of cities embracing the trend of women’s sports bars as cultural anchors and spaces for everyone-places that galvanize community, uplift women-led and community-focused entrepreneurship, and expand the social and economic footprint of women’s sports; and
WHEREAS, the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy recognizes that the most creative and equitable civic interventions begin at the grassroots level with community-driven efforts that reflect and elevate neighborhood identities, engage in democratic decision-making, and continually reinvest in the communities that support them; and
WHEREAS, The work of Watch Party PHL and the Philadelphia Sisters exemplifies this approach by enriching Philadelphia’s creative economy, strengthening community bonds, and enhancing the city's global reputation as a place where inclusive ideas thrive; and
WHEREAS, This milestone marks just the beginning of a broader movement because Philadelphia deserves and is hungry for more. With the WNBA franchise as the starting point, the Philadelphia Sisters and their partners are committed to bringing additional women’s professional sports to the city, ensuring that Philadelphia becomes not only a leader, but a model for equity in sports nationwide; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby celebrates the work of Watch Party PHL and the Philadelphia Sisters in building an inclusive and inspiring community-centered hub for women’s professional sports in Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That two Engrossed copies of this Resolution be presented to Watch Party PHL and the Philadelphia Sisters as evidence of admiration and respect this Council.
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