Silver Lake, Los Angeles, has a new destination for sports enthusiasts, particularly those passionate about women’s athletics. Untamed Spirits, which celebrated its grand opening in June 2025, marks a significant milestone as the first dedicated women-centered sports bar within the city limits of Los Angeles. Founded by a married couple, Stephanie Ellingwood and Janie Trinh, the bar aims to provide a much-needed sanctuary where women’s sports receive the spotlight and volume they deserve, fostering a vibrant community for fans of all backgrounds.
The Genesis of Untamed Spirits
The inspiration behind Untamed Spirits stems from a common frustration shared by many fans of women’s sports. Stephanie and Janie Ellingwood, avid supporters of teams like the LA Sparks and Angel City FC, recounted an experience at a local brewery where their request to increase the volume for a U.S. Women’s National Team soccer match was denied. This seemingly small incident illuminated a broader issue: the lack of dedicated spaces where women’s games are prioritized and celebrated with full audio and visibility. “We want us to be free and be able to watch what we want to watch and be who we want to be,” Stephanie Ellingwood stated, encapsulating the core ethos of their venture. This desire to create a welcoming environment, free from the marginalization often faced by women’s sports fans, propelled the couple to establish their own establishment.
A Hub for All Sports, With a Focus
While Untamed Spirits is prominently positioned as LA’s premier women’s sports bar, its mission extends to inclusivity. “We focus on women’s sports, but we do play all the sports,” Stephanie Ellingwood clarified. This approach ensures that while women’s athletics are the priority, the bar remains a comfortable and exciting venue for fans of any sport. The establishment’s commitment to the local sports scene is evident in its official partnership with Angel City FC, reflecting the founders’ deep connection as Day One season ticket holders. Their vision is to be “LA’s Home for Women’s Sports,” creating an atmosphere that champions female athletes and their achievements.
Riding the Wave of Growth
The opening of Untamed Spirits arrives at a moment when the popularity and viewership of women’s sports are experiencing unprecedented growth. This trend is not merely anecdotal; it’s backed by compelling statistics. The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, for instance, saw its final game draw an average of nearly 19 million viewers, with a peak of 24 million, marking an 89% increase from the previous year and notably surpassing the men’s final viewership for the first time. Similarly, the 2024 WNBA Draft audience surged by 511%, with viewership among young female viewers increasing by 668%. The WNBA’s regular season also set new records, averaging 1.2 million viewers on ESPN, a 155% jump from the prior year. These figures demonstrate a significant cultural shift and growing demand for women’s sports content that Untamed Spirits is perfectly positioned to meet. Industry leaders anticipate double-digit revenue growth for women’s sports over the next five years, highlighting the expanding market for these athletic competitions. This burgeoning interest makes the timely emergence of Untamed Spirits particularly significant news.
Community and Atmosphere
Beyond the games on screen, Untamed Spirits is designed to be a community hub. The founders envision a space built on passion, inclusivity, and empowerment. The atmosphere is intended to be vibrant and welcoming to all, from dedicated fans to casual observers. Recognizing the importance of comfort and relaxation, the bar also welcomes four-legged friends, with owners Stephanie and Janie noting, “Dogs are one of our favorite people”. This emphasis on creating a safe, celebratory, and friendly environment aims to solidify Untamed Spirits as more than just a place to watch sports, but a place to belong.
Conclusion
Untamed Spirits represents a pioneering step in the Los Angeles landscape, offering a much-needed venue that centers women’s sports. By providing a dedicated space with the right atmosphere and unwavering support, Stephanie Ellingwood and Janie Trinh are not only serving fans but also contributing to the growing momentum of women’s athletics. As viewership continues to climb and fan engagement deepens, Untamed Spirits stands as a testament to the demand for these sports and a beacon for the inclusive future of sports bars, making it a truly trending and welcome addition to the Los Angeles bar scene.
