A New Perspective on Policymaking in Iranian Championship Sports: From Government-Oriented to Privatization in Designing a Development Model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student in Sport Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Mo. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Mo. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

10.22034/jsmk.2025.68368.1156

Abstract

Championship sports play a crucial role in shaping national identity and enhancing a country’s global brand. Advancing this sector requires an integrated, strategic, and multi-sectoral approach. This study aimed to provide a novel perspective on policymaking in Iran’s championship sports by exploring a shift from a state-centric model toward privatization in developmental design. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the research was conducted using the grounded theory approach based on Strauss and Corbin’s (2008) systematic method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 selected experts in the field. The analysis revealed three core categories: "sustainable private sector involvement," "championship sport objectives," and "ideal privatization process." Additionally, six causal categories (national and international requirements, economic development, government role transition, international achievements, macro-level sport development, and regulatory reform), six intervening conditions (political influence, investment security, privatization mindset, bureaucracy, service quality, and time constraints), and seven contextual conditions (initial support, infrastructure, intellectual property, upstream documents, systemic management, change management, and evaluation) were identified. Strategic recommendations include strengthening sports diplomacy, promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing public engagement, empowering through technology, and designing optimal models. Anticipated outcomes comprise national brand development, economic self-sufficiency, sports tourism, technology advancement, and structural reforms in championship sports. These findings provide practical insights for policymakers and the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs to facilitate this transformative process.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Sport Management Knowledge
Volume 3, Issue 1 - Serial Number 5
August 2025
Pages 136-154

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 September 2025

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