It’s one of the most popular events at the Olympics and there won’t be any shortage of
high-paced action in both men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments. We’ll take a look at both
draws and separate some of the gold medal favorites and potential sleeper picks.
Men’s Tournament
Poland +400
Poland hasn’t won a medal at the Summer Games but look to end that drought with one of the
stronger squads. 35-year-old striker Bartosz Kurek is likely in his final Olympics and hoping to
finally reach the podium. The Polish side has lots of experience and have been hot of late4.
Poland downed Italy in straight sets to win the European Championship last year and sit number
one in the world ranking.
Italy +500
Since 1996, Italy has won five Olympic medals but never gold. They finished runner-up to
Poland in the European Championship’s last year, a title they won in 2021. Italy won bronze in
London, and then silver at the Rio Games in 2016 before bowing out in the quarterfinals in
Tokyo four years ago. Could this team finally be ready for a deep run?
France +600
They are the defending Olympic champions and have home-court advantage in Paris. But is
that a good thing, or just too much pressure for France? Despite losing some key players from
that gold medal squad, the French remain a formidable force. At the Nations League 2024,
Setter Antoine Brizard was named MVP after leading France to win over Japan. There are
many things to like for this side and home court could be the difference between gold and silver.
Men's Volleyball Gold Medal Odds
Poland +400
Italy +500
France +600
USA +700
Slovenia +750
Brazil +900
Japan +1000
Germany +1100
Serbia +1200
Canada +1300
Argentina +1700
Women’s Tournament
Brazil +500
Brazil has made the gold medal match in three of the last four Olympics coming away with two
golds, and a silver. The women lost to the U.S. four years ago and will be looking for revenge in
Paris. The Brazilians have been dominant, reaching the final four in seven of the last Summer
Games. The only blemish, the 2016 Rio Olympics.
USA +550
The United States are the defending champions and have hit the podium in four straight Games
(gold, two silver, one bronze). The Americans have always produced world class talent
including Annie Drews who is one of the stars to watch in Paris. The U.S. should be in the mix,
and once in the knockout stage, watch for their experience to become a huge factor.
Serbia +650
Serbia has made the final four in each of the last two Olympics only to come away with a silver
and bronze. Could this be the breakthrough the Serbs have been waiting for? Serbia has
shown they have the talent and experience for a global win, and we may finally see that happen
in Paris.
Women's Volleyball Gold Medal Odds
Italy +300
Turkey +450
Brazil +500
USA +550
Serbia +650
China +800
Poland +1000
Japan +1200
Netherlands +5000
Dominican Republic +10000
France +25000
Kenya +100000