Brain Drain in Sport: Socio-Cultural, Economic Drivers, and Policy Implications of Athlete Migration

The global sports landscape has witnessed a significant rise in athlete migration, shaped by complex socio-cultural and economic factors. This study employs a qualitative research design based on grounded theory, specifically utilizing situational analysis (SA), to examine the migration dynamics of Iranian athletes. SA was selected for its capacity to provide a comprehensive analytical framework that captures the historical context, social arenas, and positionalities influencing migration trajectories. Findings reveal that Iranian athletes' migration is primarily driven by: (1) socioeconomic instability, and (2) the network of social relationships, which collectively shape five distinct migration positions. By developing a grounded theoretical model, this study offers a nuanced typology of Iranian athlete migration, contributing to the broader discourse on sports mobility, transnationalism, and the intersection of structural constraints and individual agency in migration decisions. From a policy perspective, the study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of migration, such as socioeconomic instability and the lack of opportunities within national sports systems. While investments in economic development, sports infrastructure, and talent retention strategies are generally believed to mitigate migration, initial improvements in these areas may not necessarily lead to less migration and could, in some cases, exacerbate the trend. This paper explores this theoretical contradiction and suggests that while investment in sports development is crucial, further research is needed to understand how such policies interact with different types of migration, including economic, forced, and temporary migration. Policies aimed at improving economic conditions for athletes, fostering talent retention strategies, and enhancing local sports infrastructures may still play a role in reducing some forms of migration, particularly if coupled with efforts to create stronger support networks and career development programs for athletes within the country.