Objective: This study examines sports entrepreneurship and its future in Iran, focusing on key barriers, challenges, and driving forces affecting its development. By analyzing major variables, the study identifies the most important challenges and drivers shaping sports entrepreneurship.

Method: A mixed‑methods approach was used. In the first phase, qualitative data were collected through purposive sampling and in‑depth interviews with sports entrepreneurship experts, including professors, researchers, and leading entrepreneurs in the sports sector. Content analysis was applied to identify recurring themes and patterns and to gain deeper insight into existing issues and challenges. In the second phase, the Delphi technique was conducted through several rounds to identify 20 main drivers. Experts evaluated the influence and dependence of these drivers within a matrix framework, and the data were analyzed using MicMac software to assess direct and indirect effects.

Results: Based on the analysis of direct and indirect influence scores, six key leverage drivers with the greatest impact on the future of sports entrepreneurship in Iran were identified: (1) government commitment to improving entrepreneurial conditions, (2) development of a macro‑level entrepreneurship strategy, (3) political and security conditions, (4) custodial organizations’ views on the comprehensive functions of sport, (5) stability of policies and procedures governing entrepreneurship mechanisms, and (6) employment of specialized human resources in sports entrepreneurship.

Conclusion:As these six drivers are largely manageable by governmental institutions, policymakers should prioritize sports entrepreneurship as a national project for job creation and economic growth, shifting it from a marginal issue to a core policy agenda.