The sports industry and its effect on the quality of life and regional development

Abstract Background Sport plays a significant role in shaping social life, the health of the nation and the development of regions. Studying the impact of the sports industry on the quality of life and regional development can help to better understand how sports influence the social, economic and cultural aspects of people's lives. Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of the sports industry on the quality of life and human development in developed and developing countries by analyzing the correlation and modeling of recognized world indices. Methods The research employed correlation analysis, regression analysis, and scenario modeling, utilizing publicly available international indices to determine the level of impact of sports on the country's development indicators. While investment in sports development may not be a straightforward decision for developing countries facing socio‐economic challenges, the study demonstrated the long‐term benefits of such investments through evidence‐based mathematical regression models and scenario modeling. Results The study findings revealed that the advancement of the sports industry leads to improvements in the quality of life and human development in most of the studied regions. Conclusion Moreover, the scenario modeling suggested that the evolution of this field would further enhance the development of the quality of life.