When the WNBA Finals Game 6 was slated for an 11:30 a.m. weekday start, Chicago bar owner Nora McConnell‑Johnson opened her doors early to welcome fans.
Key points
- Babe’s Sports Bar opened early Thursday to accommodate fans of the 11:30 a.m. WNBA Finals Game 6.
- Owner Nora McConnell‑Johnson believes the morning tip‑off harms the momentum of women’s sports.
- The bar offers coffee and coworking space, blending work and game‑day viewing.
The championship’s final game is set to tip off at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, a time that bar owner Nora McConnell‑Johnson says "hurts the momentum of women's sports."
McConnell‑Johnson, who runs Babe’s Sports Bar in Chicago, responded by opening the venue ahead of its usual schedule, turning the space into a coffee‑served coworking hub for fans who wanted to watch the game.
Bar owner voices concern over early tip‑off
She told CBS News that the early start undermines the visibility and growth of women’s basketball, arguing that a later, more traditional evening slot would better serve the sport’s audience.
The bar’s early opening includes coffee service and a designated coworking area, allowing patrons to combine work, networking and game‑day viewing in one location.
Early opening offers coffee and coworking space
While the WNBA has not commented on the scheduling decision, the bar’s initiative highlights local concerns that weekday morning start times may limit viewership and diminish the league’s momentum.
Other Chicago venues have not announced similar adjustments, making Babe’s Sports Bar a notable example of grassroots support for women’s sports.
Source: cbsnews.com