Olympics betting: Long shots that could upset Team USA women's basketball in Paris

France (+2900)

Several teams are listed as 29-1 long shots to win gold over Team USA, and Les Bleues are one of them.

WNBA fans will be familiar with Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams, who led France in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals when the team won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games. She will be leading a young squad into battle this summer since some of France's mainstays are dealing with injuries, but Forbes still thinks this team will be a threat on their home court.

"The team is navigating some challenges, with key players like Sandrine Gruda, Olivia Epoupa, and Valeriane Vukosavljevic absent due to injuries," Forbes notes. "However, the emergence of players like Marine Fauthoux, Janelle Salaun, and Iliana Rupert provides optimism."

Japan (+2900)

The Japanese stunned in the last Summer Games when they upset France. They ended up taking home silver after Team USA beat them 90-75, but they are expected to be every bit as competitive this time around.

Japan routed New Zealand 125-57 in an Olympics warm-up game and they are coming into the Paris Games very hot. However, they will also face Team USA early in the group stage of the Olympics. If you're thinking of backing Japan with your Olympics bets, you may want to watch how they fair against powerhouses like the U.S. and Belgium first.

Speaking of which ...

Belgium (+2900)

Forbes has also tapped this team as one that will give the U.S. a run for its money in Paris.

The Belgian Cats have been on a steady rise to dominance since finishing seventh in at the 2020 Summer Games and were victorious at the 2023 EuroBasket. With 2019 WNBA Finals MVP Emma Meesseman leading the way, this team has a chance of upsetting the U.S.

"Belgium's squad consists of a mix of experienced players and emerging talents," Forbes says. "Despite recent injury concerns, playmaker Julie Allemand is expected to make significant contributions, complementing the scoring and leadership of Julie Vanloo, who is currently averaging 7.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game for the Washington Mystics."

Australia (+6000)

They may be 60-1 long shots, but Australia was the silver medalist behind Team U.S.A. in three Olympics in a row. The Opals last medalled at the 2012 London Games when they took home bronze, and they are hungry to take on the United States yet again.

Are they worth backing at such long odds? Their roster suggests they could be worth the gamble if you're looking for a dark horse to back in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

"The 2024 Paris Olympic Opals feature one of the most elite collections of WNBA talent to [put] on the green and gold," Sporting News says. "Chief among them is Ezi Magbegor, the Seattle Storm player who has been named to two WNBA All-Defensive Teams, an All-Star in 2023, and was stiff to not be selected this season. Alanna Smith was another player many thought would be an All-Star, currently enjoying a career year with title contenders the Minnesota Lynx. The Opals' other WNBA talents include Washington's Jade Melbourne, Phoenix's Bec Allen, Los Angeles' Steph Talbot, Indiana's Kristy Wallace, and Seattle's Sami Whitcomb."