| Metaverse and Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Sport |
| Paper ID : 1786-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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ریحانه عسکری کچوسنگی *1, سارا باقری2, مهدی غفوری یزدی3 1دانشجوی ارشد مدیریت دانشکده علوم ورزشی 2عضو هیئت علمی دانشگاه فرهنگیان پردیس نسیبه تهران 3عضو هیئت علمی دانشکده علوم ورزشی دانشگاه تهران |
| Abstract |
| Abstract Introduction: The metaverse is emerging as a new layer of digital interaction in sport, promising novel business models, enhanced fan experiences, and new revenue streams. This review identifies metaverse-based entrepreneurial opportunities in sport and the conditions required for their successful implementation. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, a comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Iranian repositories for studies published between 2020 and 2025. Seventy records were initially identified; after duplicate removal and title/abstract screening, full texts were assessed against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty studies were retained for synthesis, and quality appraisal was conducted. A thematic synthesis integrated and compared findings. Results: The review highlights four opportunity domains: (a) virtual event management and ticketing with diversified revenue, (b) immersive training and coaching platforms that lower access costs, (c) fan engagement and monetization via NFTs and digital assets, and (d) Web3-enabled decentralized economies supporting sport-tech startups. Key constraints include infrastructure readiness, legal and IP ambiguity, interoperability issues, and limited user adoption. Evidence remains early-stage, with a predominance of conceptual and case-based studies. Conclusion: The metaverse holds tangible potential for sport entrepreneurship when initiatives are piloted with clear KPIs, data governance, and partner ecosystems. Clubs and federations can start with small-scale pilots in virtual events and loyalty programs, use staged investment tied to measurable outcomes, and co-develop legal guidelines on digital assets and data rights. A coordinated roadmap among policymakers, sport bodies, academia, and private sector can accelerate responsible adoption. |
| Keywords |
| metaverse; sport entrepreneurship; PRISMA; fan engagement; NFTs; virtual events |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |
