University of Guilan Journal of Sport Management and Development 2322-4800 15 2 2026 06 22 Conceptual Framework of the Determinant Factors Influencing the Migration of Iran's Athletic Elites Conceptual Framework of the Determinant Factors Influencing the Migration of Iran's Athletic Elites 145 166 8504 10.22124/jsmd.2024.26072.2859 FA Aahra Sabzinezhad PhD student in Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Mazandaran, Iran Morteza Dousti Professor of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Mazandaran, Iran Farzam Farzan Associate Professor of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Mazandaran, Iran Homayoun Abbasi Associate Professor of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Razi, Kermanshah, Iran Journal Article 2023 11 20 <strong>Purpose</strong><strong>:</strong> The present study aims to provide a conceptual framework for identifying and explaining the key determinants of elite athlte migration in Iran.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><strong>:</strong> This research is descriptive in nature, applied in purpose, and categorized as a qualitative study conducted using the grounded theory approach. The statistical population included experts, scholars, professors, and coaches familiar with the subject matter. Snowball sampling was employed to conduct in-depth interviews. Data collection was carried out through interviews with 15 participants. The validity of the interview instrument was assessed and confirmed by both interviewees and subject-matter experts. To evaluate reliability, the intra-coder agreement method was used, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.81. Grounded theory methodology was employed for data analysis.<br /><strong>Findings</strong><strong>:</strong> The findings revealed that the determinants of elite athlete migration in Iran encompass: Causal factors (weak occupational status in society and inefficient management systems), Contextual factors (economic, political, and socio-cultural), Intervening factors (individual and environmental characteristics), Strategies (improvement of the national sports structure and enhancement of athletes’ social status), and Consequences (decline in the quality of professional sports and lack of suitable role models in society). These categories consist of 20 concepts and numerous sub-factors or open codes<strong>.</strong><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><strong>:</strong> Based on the findings, macro-level policymaking and effective measures are necessary to enhance the social and professional quality of life for elite athletes. Such actions are essential to controlling the migration trend of sports elites and mitigating the financial and cultural damages caused by this phenomenon. <strong>Purpose</strong><strong>:</strong> The present study aims to provide a conceptual framework for identifying and explaining the key determinants of elite athlte migration in Iran.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><strong>:</strong> This research is descriptive in nature, applied in purpose, and categorized as a qualitative study conducted using the grounded theory approach. The statistical population included experts, scholars, professors, and coaches familiar with the subject matter. Snowball sampling was employed to conduct in-depth interviews. Data collection was carried out through interviews with 15 participants. The validity of the interview instrument was assessed and confirmed by both interviewees and subject-matter experts. To evaluate reliability, the intra-coder agreement method was used, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.81. Grounded theory methodology was employed for data analysis.<br /><strong>Findings</strong><strong>:</strong> The findings revealed that the determinants of elite athlete migration in Iran encompass: Causal factors (weak occupational status in society and inefficient management systems), Contextual factors (economic, political, and socio-cultural), Intervening factors (individual and environmental characteristics), Strategies (improvement of the national sports structure and enhancement of athletes’ social status), and Consequences (decline in the quality of professional sports and lack of suitable role models in society). These categories consist of 20 concepts and numerous sub-factors or open codes<strong>.</strong><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><strong>:</strong> Based on the findings, macro-level policymaking and effective measures are necessary to enhance the social and professional quality of life for elite athletes. Such actions are essential to controlling the migration trend of sports elites and mitigating the financial and cultural damages caused by this phenomenon. https://jsmd.guilan.ac.ir/article_8504_d6b2c80473bd9aab97f9fe5a5c0a3b66.pdf