Sport Management Studies

The Model of Formation and Growth of Start-ups in the Football Industry of Iraq

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Hesam Abdol Hejami 1
mohamad soltanhoseini 2
Mahdi Salimi 2

1 Ph.D Candidate. in Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Associate professor in sport management, Sport sciences Faculty, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22089/smrj.2024.15434.3920
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
Entrepreneurship and innovation are pivotal drivers in the advancement of the sports industry. Entrepreneurship functions as the catalyst for change, enabling the customization of economic activities to meet society’s evolving needs through innovation. The emergence and expansion of startups in any sector signifies a key opportunity for development, potentially enabling countries to achieve targeted outcomes within their sports domains. Sports startups, characterized by their dynamic nature and innovative focus, have the capacity to rapidly propel growth and evolution in the sports industry by addressing everyday needs with novel solutions. Given that football is the most widely favored sport in Iraq, it holds substantial potential for fostering business development in this sector. However, the growth of such enterprises in Iraq, akin to other developing nations, remains suboptimal. Identifying latent potentials thus represents a foundational step toward formulating operational strategies to stimulate the development of sports startups, particularly in football, a domain that has not been sufficiently examined by prior research. In light of the critical importance of nurturing startups within Iraq’s sports industry, especially football, and considering existing entrepreneurial opportunities and challenges, this study aimed to design a model delineating the formation and growth of football-related startups in Iraq.
 
 
 
Methods
This applied research employed a mixed-methods exploratory design, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative phase utilized Grounded Theory methodology based on Glaser’s approach. The qualitative population comprised experts, including sports management professors from Iran and Iraq with a research background in sports entrepreneurship, and practitioners actively managing new sports businesses in Iraq. Purposive sampling yielded 15 interviewees, achieving theoretical saturation. Interview durations ranged from 25 to 55 minutes, averaging 35 minutes.
Subsequently, the qualitative model underwent quantitative validation and evaluation through structural equation modeling. Data were collected via a questionnaire derived from qualitative findings. The quantitative population consisted of all accessible stakeholders involved in Iraqi sports startups, including founders, investors, and idea generators. A total of 235 questionnaires were distributed, with 208 completed and returned. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22 and AMOS version 22.
 
Results
The qualitative phase resulted in a comprehensive model comprising three core components: an ecosystem for startup formation and growth (incorporating communication networks, organizational support, legal infrastructure, resources, and cultural factors); strategic elements (including support mechanisms, human resource management, and networking); and outcomes (specifically economic advancement in sports and football growth). The preliminary model was presented to participants for feedback, which was incorporated accordingly.
Reliability assessment via intra-subject agreement confirmed coding consistency, with a reliability index of 0.74, validating the qualitative data integrity. Quantitative analysis revealed favorable goodness-of-fit indices for the structural model, including a chi-square/degree of freedom ratio of 2.740, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.912, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.909, Incremental Fit Index (IFI) of 0.911, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) of 0.0633, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.071, and Comparative Fit Index at 0.654. Collectively, these indices indicate an acceptable model fit.
 
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the formation and expansion of startups in the sports domain are contingent not only upon the effective function of factors intrinsic to the specific sport and sports sector generally but also on the significant influence of scientific communities and organizations beyond the sports realm. The proposed model underscores the necessity of establishing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem to facilitate startup growth in Iraq’s sports industry, achievable through targeted strategies and leveraging resultant benefits.
To this end, sound policymaking is imperative to delineate precise strategies and operational actions, ideally led by specialists, to construct a conducive ecosystem. Such a vision necessitates macro-level planning in sports, particularly football, supported by engaged leadership. It is therefore recommended that sports startups be recognized as an emergent, revenue-generating sector within Iraq’s macroeconomic agenda, and that efforts to elevate managerial knowledge and awareness be prioritized. Without comprehensive macro-level vision and managerial commitment, effective strategies and necessary actions are unlikely to be realized or sustained.
Ultimately, fostering a robust startup ecosystem within Iraq’s football industry promises to stimulate the sports economy, advance sports management practices, and enhance the quality of sports products and services. Hence, macro-level policy interventions focusing on the football sector are essential to lay the groundwork for a viable and sustainable entrepreneurial environment.
Keywords: Start-up, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Sports Industry, Sports Entrepreneurship
 
Article Message
The development of start-up enterprises within Iraqi football, driven by a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, strategic initiatives, and efficient resource management, plays a crucial role in bolstering both the national economy and sports sector advancement.
 
Ethical Considerations
All ethical protocols were rigorously observed throughout this study. Participants provided informed consent; confidentiality and anonymity were diligently maintained. Researchers upheld the rights and dignity of all individuals involved, adhering strictly to established principles of research ethics.
Authors’ Contributions
Conceptualization: Hesam Hamed Abdol-Hajami, Mohammad Soltan Hosseini
Data Collection: Hesam Hamed Abdol-Hajami, Mehdi Salimi
Data Analysis: Hesam Hamed Abdol-Hajami, Mehdi Salimi
Manuscript Writing: Hesam Hamed Abdol-Hajami
Review and Editing: Mohammad Soltan Hosseini, Mehdi Salimi
Funding: Mehdi Salimi, Hesam Hamed Abdol-Hajami
Literature Review: Mehdi Salimi, Hesam Hamed Abdol-Hajami
Project Management: Mohammad Soltan Hosseini
Additional Contributions
 All authors contributed to the research process via theoretical guidance and scientific consultation.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
The authors sincerely thank all participants and supporting institutions for their invaluable assistance and contributions to this research.
 

Keywords

Entrepreneurial ecosystem
Sports entrepreneurship
Sports industry
Start-up
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Sport Management Studies
Volume 17, Issue 90
September and October 2025
Pages 17-38

  • Receive Date 10 August 2023
  • Revise Date 25 November 2024
  • Accept Date 23 December 2024

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