Legal sportsbooks in the United States tend to favor defending champions in futures markets for subsequent seasons as almost a default rule. When it comes to futures markets for the 2024 NWSL championship, the favorite probably won’t be there simply by default.
NJ/NY Gotham FC, who won the 2023 NWSL championship, has arguably had the strongest offseason of all NWSL clubs to date in terms of adding talent to its roster. For that reason, Gotham is likely to be the favorite when such markets open and that quite comfortably, too.
Gotham wins the championship and then the offseason, too
The second year of free agency in the NWSL has not disappointed for storylines. Most of those stories have revolved around Gotham putting itself in a strong position to make a run at back-to-back titles in the league.
Through Jan. 5, Gotham has added via free agency:
- Defender Tierna Davidson
- Defender Emily Sonnett
- Midfielder Crystal Dunn
- Midfielder Rose Lavelle
Additionally, Gotham and midfielder Sinead Farrelly have exercised their mutual option to stay together for another season. So far, Gotham has seen just one departure. Defender Imani Dorsey joined reemergent Utah Royals FC.
While several free agents that played with Gotham in 2023 like keeper Michelle Betos are still without a club for 2024, the additions Gotham has made already have them the talk of the offseason. There are still a few big names yet to sign for 2024 but these additions should make Gotham a strong favorite for sportsbooks.
Gotham and the field in 2024 NWSL championship futures
During a recent interview, Davidson and Dunn spoke about chasing championships in Gotham. That’s what legal sportsbooks will expect them to do in 2024. Bettors should not be surprised if NWSL championship futures markets have Gotham a very solid favorite with minus odds.
The bigger challenge for handicappers with licensed sportsbooks in the US will be how to slot the rest of the field at this point. With Bay FC entering the league and Royals’ return on top of free agency, there is strong roster reconfiguration from last season.
The remaining field of free agents is not completely picked over. Great talents like Betos, Casey Krueger, Sam Mewis, and Becky Sauerbrunn are still available. If a club can ink two or three of those players, that club may separate itself from the field and establish itself as the threat to Gotham’s repeat.
Failing that, bettors could see 2024 NWSL championship futures markets be a story of Gotham and everyone else. If that is the case, it will be up to bettors to decide whether any clubs in the field represent some underrate value.
Should Gotham falter in terms of winning a second consecutive championship, these markets could be a great opportunity to buy low and get a great return.
