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U.S. Softball Legend 'Heartbroken' Over 2028 Olympics Move

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 2:02 PM ET

While Los Angeles may be the host city for the 2028 Olympics, far from every sport is going to be contested in Southern California. Softball is getting punted all the way to Oklahoma, much to the chagrin of one former softball superstar.

In a conversation at a Front Office Sports event, two-time Olympic medalist Natasha Watley lamented the news that the softball tournament would be moved. She pointed out that Southern California - her longtime home - is a hotbed for softball and that it's a huge missed opportunity for local, young softball players to see their sport on the biggest possible stage.

“I will say, when the announcement hit, I am an L.A. girl, and I was heartbroken,” Watley said. “Softball, Los Angeles, SoCal, that is the hotbed of softball. If you know anything about softball, a lot of girls play travel ball there, and I just thought that a big moment was missed.”

"Missed Opportunities"

Watley further lamented the missed opportunities that softball players will have to experience the Olympic village and mingle with other athletes from across America and the world.

“I thought how the athletes are not going to have that opportunity to be in the village and come home after games,” Watley said. “My biggest memories are coming back to the village, seeing Michael Phelps with his medals on. And so I think that those are missed opportunities.”

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 8: The Olympic rings is seen in Gangneung town, near the venue for the Speed Skating, Figure Skating and Ice Hockey ahead of PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games on February 8, 2017 in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, Watley is grateful that the sport is returning to the Olympics for just the second time in two decades.

“We talk about the Women’s College World Series and the success that’s been there, the viewership,” she said. “The softball stadium [in Devon Park] is the most iconic stadium to play on if you are a softball athlete in Oklahoma. To showcase that to the world makes me very proud. This is a very important Olympics for us. We want to make sure that we are showcasing our sport and what it has to offer.”

The United States has medaled in all five Olympic softball tournaments, winning gold in the first three but losing to Japan in 2008 and 2020. Softball was not contested in 2012, 2016 or 2024.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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