Introduction: This study aimed to develop a green transport management model for the Iranian sports industry in line with carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability goals.
Methods: This research was fundamental in purpose and qualitative in approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. The data were analyzed using grounded theory based on Charmaz’s constructivist approach. Participants included university professors and experts in green transport, sustainable development, green sport management, environmental sciences, sociology, geography, and urban planning who had relevant research, publications, or executive experience. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved.
Results: Analysis of the interviews and documents resulted in the identification of 408 initial codes, 40 focused codes, and eight theoretical categories. The main categories comprised sustainable spatial and physical planning of sports facilities, green transport infrastructure and technologies, incentive mechanisms, policy and regulatory frameworks, education and culture-building, green innovation, traffic and mobility management, and stakeholder participation and collaboration.
Conclusion: The proposed model provides a comprehensive framework for transportation management in the sports industry aimed at reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable development. The model facilitates the identification and monitoring of emission-intensive activities and supports evidence-based decision-making by policymakers and sport managers through targeted strategies and multi-level interventions. The findings may contribute to the development of environmentally responsible transport systems within the Iranian sports sector.