Softball Legend Natasha Watley ‘Heartbroken’ 2028 Olympics Won’t Be in L.A.

March 11, 2026

You would think the return of softball to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles would be a moment of celebration for two-time Olympic medalist and L.A. native Natasha Watley, one of the most decorated players in U.S. softball history.

Instead, it turned to heartbreak.

The LA28 Olympics mark the return of softball to the Games after an eight-year absence. But due largely to infrastructure and cost concerns, the Olympic softball tournament will take place nearly 1,300 miles away in Oklahoma City. FRONT OFFICE SPORTS