Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to identifying the future drivers of professional sports clubs in Iran (Case study: Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan club).
Methodology: This research is descriptive-analytical in terms of applied goal setting strategy and its method and explanatory based on futures research methods. The statistical population of this study consisted of experts in the field of university and club. The selection of these people was purposeful and their number was equal to 20 people. In order to identify the issues affecting the future of Sepahan Club, a review of the research literature as well as interviews with experts was used, based on which 25 final components related to the future of Sepahan Cultural and Sports Club were identified.
Results: According to the research findings, the four variables of club sponsors, fan presence, media coverage and club revenue generated had the most impact and the most impact in general, so because they had recorded high importance and uncertainty for themselves as The future drivers of Sepahan Cultural and Sports Club were determined.
Conclusion: The study of key factors affecting the future of Sepahan club indicates the relative dominance of the club's sponsors, the presence of fans, media coverage and the club's revenue generation over other factors that seem to have the most role in the future of Sepahan club and in planning. Long-term ones need to be considered.