NYC bar combines women’s sports viewing with knitting

February 25, 2026

Wilka’s is NYC’s dedicated women’s sports bar hosting a unique knitting club. This NBC News video highlights how the venue on Bowery in lower Manhattan blends watching women’s sports with fiber arts like knitting and crocheting.​​

Wilka’s, opened in 2025 by Melissa Ng and Lauren McKenna, focuses exclusively on women’s sports such as WNBA, soccer, and tennis. It offers cocktails, beers, and game-day snacks in a vibrant space previously occupied by Karvouna Mezze.

The Women’s Sports Knit Club started after Ruth posted a viral TikTok of herself knitting alone at Wilka’s while watching WNBA games. Despite mixed reactions including negativity, she connected with other knitters online and proposed the event to the bar owner, turning it monthly.​​

Dozens gather monthly from noon to 2 PM (e.g., February 8, March 8 in 2026) for Stitch ‘n Pitch sessions, open to all genders and skill levels—no RSVP needed. Patrons watch women’s college basketball, PWHL, or other games while counting stitches and yarn.​​

This reflects rising popularity in women’s sports (global revenue tripled in recent years) and crafting, fostering community and accessibility—even non-sports fans join via knitting. Participants like Ruth gift handmade jerseys to athletes. nbc