Modeling the Competitive Indicators of Professional Sports Clubs in Iran

Due to the multifaceted development role of professional sports clubs, identifying their sustainable competitiveness indicators in a challenging environment is vital. Accordingly, the present study was conducted with the aim of modeling the competitive indicators of professional sports clubs in Iran. The research was qualitative and exploratory in nature, implemented using a grounded theory approach (systematic approach). The statistical population included senior and executive managers of professional sports clubs, marketing, finance, and media managers of clubs, coaches, players and veteran athletes, senior sports managers of provinces, transfer agents and consultants, organized fans, and sports management professors. Through theoretical sampling, 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. The validity of the study was confirmed by presenting the findings and the proposed model to the participants and applying their feedback, and reliability was obtained using the test-retest method at 84%, indicating acceptable credibility of the coding process. The data were analyzed in three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. Based on the extracted paradigm model, causal conditions (including five categories such as strategic vision and financial resources), contextual conditions (four categories such as club identity and governing regulations), intervening conditions (five categories such as the macroeconomic situation and unfair competition), six strategies (such as management professionalization and focus on the academy), and four consequences (in the areas of sporting, financial, social, and international development) were identified. In this regard, the core category of the study was “achieving sustainable competitiveness in a challenging environment.” Results show that club competitiveness is a complex, context-dependent phenomenon requiring integrated management. This model offers a practical framework for managers and policymakers to enhance long-term stability and competitiveness.