The present study was conducted with the aim of developing a model for the development of family businesses in the sports sector using a grounded theory approach. This study employed a qualitative methodology and was carried out in the field. The qualitative method used in this research was grounded theory. The participants consisted of experts familiar with the subject, selected through purposive sampling with a homogeneous strategy while ensuring maximum diversity, and the process continued until theoretical saturation was reached. In total, 14 experts in family businesses and the sports industry were selected based on criteria such as at least five years of managerial or research experience, practical experience in establishing or managing a sports business, and a background of scientific publication or academic contribution in this area. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings show that the development of family businesses in sport requires policymakers to pay attention to strengthening competitive and financial foundations, establishing supportive mechanisms to enhance governance clarity, social capital and legal structures, and designing operational strategies to improve innovation, networking and resilience. These results can serve as a basis for targeted policymaking aimed at strengthening the role of family businesses in the development of Iran’s sports industry.