- Odds for softball at the Tokyo Olympics have Team USA as a strong -250 favorite to bring home the gold medal.
- Japan is the biggest threat to the US with +200 odds, followed by Canada at +850 and Mexico at +1800.
TOKYO - Softball is officially returning to the Olympics as the sport was removed from the Olympics in 2012 and 2016 after its last appearance in 2008.
That year, Team USA suffered a heartbreaking loss in the finals to Japan, without any opportunity for redemption in 13 years.
Now, Team USA is back to claim their crown and the online gambling sites have the Stars and Stripes as the heavy favorite to stand atop the podium in Tokyo.
Tokyo 2021 - Softball Women Odds
- USA -250
- Japan +200
- Canada +850
- Mexico +1800
- Australia +2500
- Italy +3300
Team USA comes in at -250 on the betting board, with their Japanese hosts and rivals coming in at +200.
Two members of the US team were present on that 2008 loss, Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott. Both will be returning to the field this week more than 4,700 days after their last Olympic appearance.
It is rare that players aged 38 and 35 are given a chance on the USA softball team, but this is a special circumstance where two women dedicated to the game can achieve their biggest goal from so many years ago.
"We both have been through so much over the years, and especially since during that time most softball players didn't play past the age of 31, or have the opportunity to compete on a professional level," said Abbott to ESPN. "Now look at us both, mid-30s and having played for so long. Women's sports have come a long way. Softball has come farther."
Those looking to bet on the Olympics can make a decent return on betting Team USA even at their current price.
The US and Japan are the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the six-team field and have met in every world championship final since 2002.
In those meetings, the US have won five championships with Japan winning two.
The rivalry is sure to be in full force on the grandest stage of the sport in more than a decade.