Volleyball Nations League 2024 Preview: Teams and Betting Markets

VNL: A Brief History

Inaugurated in 2018, the Volleyball Nations League quickly established itself as the premier annual international volleyball competition, filling the void left by the discontinuation of the FIVB World League and World Grand Prix. The VNL's format sees 16 top-ranked men's and women's teams battle it out in a rigorous round-robin phase followed by a dramatic final round. Over the years, the VNL has treated fans to incredible matches, stunning upsets, and the emergence of new volleyball powerhouses.

VNL 2024: Dates, Locations, and Format

The 2024 edition of the Volleyball Nations League promises to be bigger and better than ever. The women's tournament is set to commence on May 14 in the picturesque city of Antalya, Türkiye, while the men's competition will begin a week later on May 21, also in Antalya. From there, the VNL will embark on a global journey, with matches hosted in nine different cities spanning multiple continents.

The women's final round will take place in a to-be-confirmed city, adding an element of mystery and anticipation. Meanwhile, the men's final will be held in the volleyball-loving nation of Poland, with the city of Lodz serving as the host. The VNL's signature round-robin format ensures that each team will face every other team in their respective tournaments, guaranteeing a fair and comprehensive test of their abilities.

Front Runners to Watch

As we look ahead to VNL 2024, several powerhouse teams are expected to make a strong showing and vie for the coveted title:

Women's Tournament

- United States: The reigning Olympic champions will be eager to assert their dominance once again and add a VNL trophy to their already impressive collection.

- Brazil: Playing on home soil in the early stages of the tournament, Brazil will be fueled by passionate fan support as they seek to claim the top spot.

- China: Known for their fast-paced, technically precise style of play, China is always a force to be reckoned with and will be hungry for success.

Men's Tournament

- Poland: As the defending VNL champions, Poland will be determined to prove that their victory was no fluke and that they have what it takes to reign supreme once more.

- Brazil: Fresh off their Olympic gold medal triumph, Brazil's men's team will be riding a wave of momentum and confidence as they set their sights on the VNL crown.

- France: The reigning Olympic champions have a knack for rising to the occasion in big tournaments, making them a formidable contender in any competition they enter.

Underdogs with Upset Potential

While the front runners will undoubtedly command the spotlight, VNL 2024 also presents an opportunity for some lesser-known teams to make their mark and shake up the established order:

Women's Tournament

- Serbia: The reigning world champions may not have the same level of hype surrounding them as some other teams, but their talent and tenacity make them a serious threat to go deep in the tournament.

- Türkiye: Playing in front of their home crowd in the early stages could give Türkiye the extra boost they need to pull off some surprising results and make a memorable run.

Men's Tournament

- Slovenia: This rising volleyball nation has been steadily improving and could be poised for a breakout performance on the VNL stage.

- Canada: Boasting some impressive young talent and a dynamic playing style, Canada has the potential to catch some of the more established teams off guard.

Betting Markets for VNL 2024

For fans looking to elevate their VNL 2024 experience, engaging with the various betting markets available can add an extra layer of excitement and investment in the tournament's outcomes. Here are some of the most popular betting options:

Outright Winner

Placing an outright winner bet involves predicting which team will emerge victorious and claim the VNL title. This can be a thrilling long-term wager with the potential for substantial payouts. For example, if you have a strong feeling that Poland will defend their men's title successfully, an outright winner bet on them could prove lucrative.

Match Winner

If you prefer to focus on the day-to-day action, betting on individual match winners is an excellent way to stay engaged throughout the tournament. This type of bet simply involves choosing which team you believe will win a specific match. For instance, you might bet on the United States to defeat Brazil in a highly-anticipated women's pool stage clash.

Set Betting

For those seeking a more challenging and potentially rewarding betting experience, set betting allows you to predict the exact set score of a given match. This requires a keen understanding of the teams' relative strengths and weaknesses, as well as an ability to anticipate how a match might unfold. An example would be betting on France to defeat Italy by a score of 3-1 in a crucial men's pool match.

Total Points

Total points betting involves wagering on whether the combined total points scored by both teams in a match will fall over or under a predetermined line set by the bookmaker. This can be an exciting way to maintain interest throughout an entire match, regardless of which team ultimately wins. For example, if you anticipate a high-scoring affair between Serbia and China in the women's tournament, you might consider betting on the over.

If you're ready to take your VNL 2024 experience to the next level, Galera Bet has you covered. With competitive odds and an extensive selection of betting markets, Galera Bet is your one-stop-shop for all things VNL betting. VNL 2024 is just around the corner, and it's time to get in on the action!