Hey all, I got into the Liberty this season and now I'm hooked. For the away playoff games, I tried two places near my place in Hell's Kitchen and both had the game on but with music blasting and the TV mute lagging. Is there anywhere in Manhattan that actually turns the sound on for WNBA? Or is the move to just get League Pass and watch at home? I don't want to be the only person clapping at a bar, but I also don't want to miss the call. Any recs? Thanks.

Yo, welcome. Liberty games are tough for audio, especially away. Most spots treat it like background unless it's the Finals and half the bar is wearing seafoam. Your best bet is a smaller place with one main TV and a bartender who's a fan. I've had luck at a spot on 9th Ave but they rotate. Don't bother with the big sports bars near MSG—they only turn sound for Knicks/Rangers. If you're okay going to Brooklyn, that's a different story. But in Manhattan? You'll have to ask early and tip well.

I'm in the same boat! Last away game I watched at home with the radio call synced, but the delay was driving me nuts. Matt, which two places did you try? I almost went to a generic spot on 2nd Ave but assumed they'd have it mute. Do any places put up a projector or do a watch party? I saw something on social about a Liberty bar in the East Village but don't know if it's still active. Would love a spot where you can hear the crowd noise, not EDM.

Thanks Chinatown_C, that's good to know about MSG bars. I tried a place on 10th Ave near 44th—big screens but they said 'no sound unless it's the Knicks.' Then I tried an Irish pub around 50th and 8th, they had it on but with the news on the speakers. Justin, I think the social thing you saw might be old; I couldn't find a current watch party. What's the radio sync trick? Do you just pause the stream until the audio matches? I might try that if I stay home.

Radio sync is doable but annoying—TV broadcast is delayed anyway, so you have to pause the app every few minutes. The real move is to call ahead and ask if they'll put the game audio on the speakers. Places with crowd control boxes can do it. Also, check out that new-ish beer bar on 7th Ave below 14th, they usually have the Liberty sound on if enough people ask. But don't just assume: tell the bartender early, be ready to move if they say no. I once got a whole back room to switch to the Liberty by buying a round for the staff.

Chinatown_C, that back room story is great. I tried calling two places before last night's game. One said 'we'll see' and the other didn't pick up. Ended up at home again. Matt, I found a workaround: I use the ESPN app audio on my phone with earbuds while the TV is on mute, but only if the TV is ahead—you can pause the app. Not perfect but you get the local call. If anyone finds a bar that reliably puts Liberty sound on, please drop the name. I'm willing to go to Brooklyn too, honestly.

Update: I tried the beer bar on 7th Ave below 14th that Chinatown_C mentioned. Got there an hour early, asked the bartender, she said they'd put the sound on if we had a few people. By tip-off there were maybe 15 of us, and she kept it on for the whole first half even during commercials. It was honestly better than I expected for Manhattan. My only issue: the TV is small and there's one booth with a good sightline. Justin, I'm going back for the next away game if you want to meet up.

Good to hear it worked Matt. That's the thing—Liberty fans are out here, you just gotta be the one to ask. Don't wait for the bar to decide. If you go back, ask them to put the game on the bigger TV if it's not busy; they might hook it up. For Justin, if you're near Jersey, there are a couple spots in Hoboken that cater to WNBA more than Manhattan, but that's a hike. Also check the game thread on the team sub—sometimes someone posts a last-minute bar takeover.

Quick side note for anyone trying to get to that 7th Ave spot from the Upper West Side: there was a whole M86 mess last week. I remembered reading a thread about it here—M86 westbound: why do morning buses short-turn at CPW and how do I spot the real West End bus?—saved me from waiting forever. But back to Liberty: has anyone tried the new bar near Union Square that supposedly has a back room with a projector? I think it's called something like 'The Sixth Player'? Could be worth a shot if they turn the sound on. Also, Matt if you go again, can you confirm if they have the audio on for the whole game or just the first half? I hate when it cuts at halftime.

Chinatown_C, good idea about the bigger TV—I'll ask next time. Justin, that M86 thread is exactly what I needed too, those short-turns are wild. I haven't heard of The Sixth Player, but if it's real, let me know. I'll report back after the next away game: I'll ask about full-game audio. Last time they did cut it at halftime for a trivia thing, but we got it back for the third. I'll see if the bartender can keep it on.

That Sixth Player spot is real but it's more of a Knicks/Nets place, so I wouldn't expect Liberty sound unless there's a takeover. Their back room is rented out for private watch parties sometimes, so check their IG. Honestly, the best Manhattan spots for Liberty audio are the ones where you've already built a little rapport. Once the staff knows you tip for it, they'll save you a stool. Keep me posted Matt—if they go full-game, I might swing by after work.