University of Guilan Journal of Sport Management and Development 2322-4800 15 3 2026 09 23 Identifying the Key Drivers Affecting the Future of Iran's Sports Industry with a Futures-Research Approach Identifying the Key Drivers Affecting the Future of Iran's Sports Industry with a Futures-Research Approach 153 170 8518 10.22124/jsmd.2023.25262.2828 FA Rouhollah Khajehkarimoddini PhD student in Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran Noshin Benar Associate Professor in Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran 0000-0002-3377-2889 Nader Zali Associate Professor in Urban Planning, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Arts, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran 0000-0003-2972-4750 Journal Article 2023 08 14 <strong>Objective</strong><strong>:</strong> The purpose of this research was to identify the key drivers affecting the future of Iran's sports industry with a future-research approach.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><strong>:</strong> In terms of nature, the current research method is based on future research and forecasting, analytical and exploratory methods, which were carried out by using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The statistical population of the current research was experts (professors of sports management, sports experts, and athletes) in the field of the sports industry. Sampling was done way, and 11 people were selected. In this research, data-based methods that were the result of studies and searches in research and books in the field of sports industry, as well as methods based on the opinion of specialists and experts, were used simultaneously. After collecting the data of the first stage, 28 items that had gained more points were placed in the matrix and were completed and evaluated according to the opinions of the expert panel and analyzed using the MicMac software.<br /><strong>Results</strong><strong>:</strong> Based on the research results, various factors influence the future of the sports industry. The most important factors in the future of the Iranian sports industry are: joint hosting of major sports events, management stability, support for new sports businesses, meritocracy, and expertise. Orientation, modern and technological productions and equipment, forming multinational manufacturing companies, supporting the privatization of clubs, and strengthening Iran's position in international institutions and seats.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><strong>:</strong> In order to build a bright future for the country's sports industry, one should take a special look at the identified key factors. <strong>Objective</strong><strong>:</strong> The purpose of this research was to identify the key drivers affecting the future of Iran's sports industry with a future-research approach.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><strong>:</strong> In terms of nature, the current research method is based on future research and forecasting, analytical and exploratory methods, which were carried out by using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The statistical population of the current research was experts (professors of sports management, sports experts, and athletes) in the field of the sports industry. Sampling was done way, and 11 people were selected. In this research, data-based methods that were the result of studies and searches in research and books in the field of sports industry, as well as methods based on the opinion of specialists and experts, were used simultaneously. After collecting the data of the first stage, 28 items that had gained more points were placed in the matrix and were completed and evaluated according to the opinions of the expert panel and analyzed using the MicMac software.<br /><strong>Results</strong><strong>:</strong> Based on the research results, various factors influence the future of the sports industry. The most important factors in the future of the Iranian sports industry are: joint hosting of major sports events, management stability, support for new sports businesses, meritocracy, and expertise. Orientation, modern and technological productions and equipment, forming multinational manufacturing companies, supporting the privatization of clubs, and strengthening Iran's position in international institutions and seats.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><strong>:</strong> In order to build a bright future for the country's sports industry, one should take a special look at the identified key factors. https://jsmd.guilan.ac.ir/article_8518_ece5bfef3a2a447a024f699bde38857c.pdf