The ROI of Equity – Investing in the Lead

Why Supporting Women’s Sports is Columbus’s Smartest Play 

This isn't a "nice" thing to do. It’s the fastest-growing market in sports—period.

For years, people treated support for women’s sports like a "charity"—a box to check for a good cause. That myth is dead. The data from 2025 has obliterated it. We are looking at a global market projected to smash through $2.35 billion this year.

Meet the MVP: The Fluid Fan The fans of women’s sports aren't just casual viewers. They are what researchers call "Fluid Fans"—digitally native, community-oriented, and fiercely loyal.

• They recruit: They have a 40% higher community growth score than general sports fans.

• They buy: They are 1.5x more likely to buy merchandise and 80% more likely to buy collectibles.

• They reward: 30% of these fans will explicitly buy from sponsors who support their teams.

The Columbus Opportunity: Columbus is a powerhouse sports city, and we are currently underserved. With the 2027 NCAA Women’s Final Four coming to Nationwide Arena, our city is about to be the center of the sports world. Raise the Bar will be the "Embassy" for those fans.

The Huddle: We’re looking for leaders and business partners who want to "Ladder Up" with us. Investing in this venue isn't just about a bar; it’s about capturing the most loyal consumer base in the game.