The Commercialization Model of Professional Sport Clubs

The current research was conducted with the aim of compiling a model of factors affecting the commercialization of professional sports. The research method was conducted qualitatively using the systematic design of the Grounded theory. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were used to collect information, and data analysis was done using the Glaser approach. The statistical population of this research included professors and activists in the field of sports economics, and the desired number was chosen in a non-probable way using targeted theoretical and snowball techniques. The number of 20 theoretical and functional experts were interviewed and from the 18th interview onwards, repetition was observed in the received data and saturation was reached in the 20th interview. In order to analyze the qualitative data, the two-stage open, theoretical coding method was used. Reliability and validity were confirmed through the percentage of intro-subject agreement and the approval of the statistical group and the interviewees. The findings of research showed that various factors such as cultural factors, organizational factors, social factors, legal factors and structural factors have an effect on the commercialization of professional sports. In general, it should be acknowledged that these factors should be given special attention in the policies of managers of sports clubs. In professional sport club for effective strategic development sports income should be provided with appropriate measures, compliance with requirements and taking into, the basis for making the clubs profitable and financial and managerial independence of the club in the future.