Financial Growth of Sport Industry in the Extreme Context: Evidence From Iran Under Economic Sanction and COVID‐19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to shift the narrative toward the impact of international sanctions against Iran and the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic on the financial growth of the sports industry. Employing Importance‐Performance Analysis (IPA), we delve into the diverse factors influencing the financial dynamics of the sports sector in Iran. After an extensive review of the research literature, we identify pivotal elements affecting the financial prosperity of the sports industry. Using expert opinions and the content validity index (CVI), we select 20 significant factors shaping the financial landscape of the sports industry in Iran. Subsequently, we evaluate the importance and performance of these identified factors, drawing insights from the perspectives of 12 sports economics experts and sports managers. Employing Decision‐making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DANP) and IPA methods, we analyze the interplay of these factors. The research outcomes underscore the pivotal role of international sanctions against Iran and the challenges posed by the COVID‐19 pandemic in influencing the financial growth of the sports industry. Noteworthy factors include the stability of sports club incomes, the commercialization of the sports industry, private sector investment in sports, and the allocation of sports expenses within government expenditures. These findings illuminate the nuanced relationship between external geopolitical factors and internal financial dynamics, shaping the trajectory of the sports industry's financial growth in Iran.