Been burned too many times by places that put the Liberty on a side TV with no sound and then switch the whole wall to a DJ set right around 9. Thursday's game tips at 8, and I’ve got a small crew near Yorkville/UES that wants to actually hear the play-by-play. Not asking for a VIP room—just a joint that’ll keep the game audio on past halftime. Last couple years we had a spot that was great for the playoffs, but the crowd carried it and now it’s a scene. Anyone got a current bar that treats the Liberty like a real game night and not background wallpaper?

I’m newer to following the Liberty, so I don’t know the usual spots yet. Is it normally this hard to get WNBA audio in a city with this many sports bars? I would have thought it’s more popular now, but maybe not for the road games. Also—does it matter if it’s on an app vs a regular channel? I’m in Ditmas Park but can train anywhere. If you find a place, I might come by, hope it’s okay to ask a bunch of questions during the game.

I’ll save you some aimless walking: it’s very much hit-or-miss, and the 8 p.m. start hurts because you’re running into the 9–10 p.m. drink crowd. Most Manhattan sports bars will put the Liberty on if you ask early, but audio is the problem. The trick is to ask the bartender or manager before tip, not after the first quarter, and confirm whether they’re willing to keep the sound on past 9. In my experience, places with a smaller back room or an Irish-pub setup are better than big open-floor spots, because the DJ or late-night playlist doesn’t take over the whole space.

A few I’ve had luck with: The Long Room on 44th will sometimes keep game audio if it’s not a soccer night. Smithfield Hall is another one—more soccer-leaning, but they’ve been good about putting Liberty on a screen with sound if you call ahead. On the UES, Bailey’s Corner is fine if you get there before 7:30 and stake out the area near the bar; the back room gets too loud later. Avoid the mega sports bars near Times Square unless you want to compete with a bachelorette party. Also, DykerNewbie, the app vs. cable question matters less than whether the bar has a streaming option for whichever network has the game. Call and ask, “Do you get tonight’s Liberty feed, and will you run audio?” If they hesitate, move on.

Yes!! Liberty audio in a bar is my white whale. I’ve basically started calling before every road game because I’m tired of watching a muted screen behind a bartender who doesn’t know the game is on. Have you tried The Cock & Bull in the 50s? It’s old school, but they’ll keep audio if a group asks and orders food. The problem out here in Rockaway is nobody’s watching yet—I had a bar change the channel to a poker rerun in the fourth quarter last playoff run. I nearly lost it. If we find a reliable spot, we should absolutely make a running list. I’m also curious if anyone has tried watching at a women’s sports bar yet, not sure which ones actually have the Liberty package.

I’m not trying to go all the way to Astoria, but Smithfield might be the move if they confirm audio. Dorrian's is always a fallback but only if you don’t mind someone screaming over the last two minutes. One more thing for the DIY crowd: if you end up hosting people at your place instead, dragging a second TV and a folding table up a walk-up is its own cost—check the earlier thread Fifth-floor walk-up in Washington Heights: do movers really charge by the flight? Fifth-floor walk-up in Washington Heights: do movers really charge by the flight? before you commit. For Thursday, I’ll probably post up early on the UES and report back.