The integration of blockchain technology in sports event management represents a significant shift towards more decentralized and efficient governance structures, particularly relevant to small and medium-sized events. Despite growing interest, its practical implementation remains limited and lacks comprehensive theoretical guidance. This study addresses this gap by proposing an integrated theoretical framework, combining the Dynamic Capabilities Framework (DCF), Collaborative Governance Theory (CGT), and the Four Modes of Governance (FMG), to systematically explore blockchain’s application within sports event management. Our analysis reveals that blockchain technology can effectively improve transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder participation through Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). These advantages are realized through key mechanisms of access, control, and incentives, which interact across external environments, governance structures, and blockchain core infrastructure. Furthermore, the study identifies critical managerial implications necessary for successful blockchain implementation, highlighting strategic infrastructure assessments, stakeholder engagement, and risk management protocols. Ultimately, this research contributes to both theoretical insights and practical guidelines, addressing existing knowledge gaps and providing a structured framework for blockchain-leveling in small-to-medium sporting event management.
1 Introduction Technological development has been one of the primary drivers of competitiveness in the sports industry, with the intersection of technology, governance, and sustainability reshaping the fundamental principles of management and organization (1). Using technologies enhances athlete performance and transforms the management and operationalization of sports events, providing greater efficiency and effectiveness in organizing and conducting these events (2). In this context, blockchain technology emerges as an innovative architecture that establishes a new “trust architecture,” enabling multiple actors who do not know (or trust) each other to interact safely under predetermined conditions (3).
This is particularly relevant to the governance of sports events, where technology can facilitate three main governance mechanisms: access, control, and incentives (4). Access mechanisms define who can participate in the platform ecosystem and under what conditions, while control specifies the rules by which potentially competing actors interact, and encourages motivating participation and specific actions by different actors, thus facilitating the creation of innovative value (5).
These governance mechanisms are inherent to the platform’s technical architecture and thus configure the rules of interaction between all actors, addressing the fundamental challenge of maximizing openness while ensuring effective value capture for all participants (4, 6). Applying advanced technologies and analytics allows organizers to understand target group needs and market trends, enabling them to operate more efficiently and effectively in the face of future event challenges (7). Additionally, these technologies can contribute to event risk assessment and safety management, ensuring that events proceed smoothly and safely (8).
Digital transformation has significantly reshaped how sports events are experienced and managed. Technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and live streaming offer immersive and personalized experiences, allowing spectators to feel part of the event remotely (9–11). VR applications in events such as the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games also demonstrate its potential to promote social inclusion (12).
On parallel platforms, digital and social media, including OTT services and fantasy league apps, have become essential tools for real-time engagement and communication (7, 13–15). COVID-19 pandemic trends have accelerated these trends, with virtual and hybrid event formats emerging to maintain athlete activity and fan engagement (16–20). These developments call for innovative governance structures that ensure transparency and stakeholder participation in increasingly digital sports ecosystems.
Notwithstanding the significant technological advancements and escalating adoption of blockchain technology in sports events (21, 22), a substantial gap persists in the implementation of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) for event governance frameworks (23). While DAOs offer transparency and participatory decision-making (24), their implementation in sports is obscured by regulatory, legal, and technological complexities (25, 26). Contemporary governance models hinder adaptation to the digital and decentralized nature of modern sporting events, underscoring the imperative for innovative governance structures capable of effectively synthesizing technological advancement with stakeholder interests (27).
This research endeavor addresses these identified gaps by proposing a comprehensive theoretical framework that synthesizes DAOs with established governance theories, thereby advancing event management efficacy and stakeholder participation. Designing such a framework must consider both the endogenous and exogenous legitimacy of blockchain systems (6). Endogenous legitimacy emerges from the network’s internal mechanisms, consensus protocols, and adherence to predefined rules, while exogenous legitimacy stems from interactions with actors outside the blockchain ecosystem, including regulatory compliance and legal recognition. This dual approach to legitimacy is particularly crucial for sporting events, where governance systems must balance internal operational efficiency with external stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements (4). The study’s empirical investigation is guided by the following research inquiries: 1. To what extent can DAOs facilitate the transformation of governance architectures within small and medium-sized sports events to enhance stakeholder engagement and operational efficacy? 2. How can the theoretical integration of the dynamic capabilities framework with governance theories provide the conceptual framework for implementing DAOs in small and medium-sized sporting events?
Theoretically, this study will contribute to conceptualizing the role of decentralized organizations in the management of small and medium-sized sporting events. By using a strategic management lens for differentiation, the dynamic capabilities framework (DCF) together with two governance theoretical lenses—the collaborative governance theory (CGT) and four modes of governance (FMG) in using blockchain technology—we aim to demonstrate how the development of DAOs can be instrumental in fostering open participation, direct interactions, and community decision-making in sports events. This approach emphasizes that continuous adaptation and transformation capabilities are essential for sports organizations to thrive in dynamic and rapidly changing environments.
1.1 Purpose and Structure This study had distinct theoretical and conceptual objectives: (a) to investigate the application of blockchain technologies in the management of small- and medium-scale sporting events, focusing on decentralization and operational efficiency, and (b) to examine the synergistic application of the Four Modes of Governance Structures and Collaborative Governance, using blockchain technology to enhance the management of sporting events. Consequently, the primary contributions of this study include the development of a theoretical model that integrates these governance structures with blockchain technology, offering a new perspective on decentralized governance and community engagement in sporting events. Furthermore, the study elucidates the theoretical and practical implications of these integrations, proposing methods by which sports and social values can be enhanced through emerging technologies.
The integration of blockchain technology into sports event management represents a transformative opportunity. However, this topic requires caution, as existing research on the use of the technology still presents significant gaps.
There is a distinct lack of empirical evidence demonstrating practical outcomes of blockchain implementation within real-world sports events (28). Practical examples of implementation remain limited, leaving uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of blockchain in current event management scenarios.
Furthermore, essential barriers have been inadequately addressed in prior studies. Key issues, such as technological literacy among stakeholders, governance disputes arising from decentralized decision-making, and resistance to technology adoption, are either overlooked or insufficiently explored in the literature (e.g., the lack of standardization and interoperability between blockchain systems in sports event management, regulatory uncertainties affecting compliance with digital asset laws, and the scalability limitations of blockchain networks for real-time ticketing and transactions at major events).