Brewers, Rays Bring 35-1 and 80-1 Sportsbook Risk Into 2026 World Series
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Oct 20
Brewers, Rays Bring 35-1 and 80-1 Sportsbook Risk Into 2026 World Series
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Oct 20
Summary
Milwaukee and Tampa Bay enter the World Series as major futures liabilities after opening the season at 35-1 and 80-1 odds, prices that let sportsbook exposure build quickly.
Milwaukee is a -160 series favorite over Tampa Bay at +140, but the risk varies by book: Caesars and BetMGM still face losses on Brewers futures, while BetMGM would profit if the Rays win.
Hard Rock Bet faces pressure on both sides because 21.2% of its Florida World Series tickets backed the Rays, yet Brewers bettors have wagered more than double the average Rays stake.
Tampa Bay would tie the 1991 Twins as the longest preseason underdog to win a World Series, while the matchup also guarantees a first-time champion in the first such Fall Classic since 1980.
Sportsbooks said the series may also depress betting handle despite profitable playoff results from the Dodgers' and Yankees' exits, because a Brewers-Rays matchup lacks the draw of bigger-market teams.