The adoption of artificial intelligence in sport management: a systematic review

Purpose/Rationale This study aims to synthesise existing research on the organisational adoption of artificial intelligence in sport management and leisure contexts, addressing a growing need to understand how AI is integrated into sport organisations.Design/Methodology/Approach A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles were identified through major academic databases and analysed to identify motivations, barriers, and facilitators influencing AI adoption in sport organisations.Findings Based on the analysis of 33 studies, the findings show that AI adoption is driven by performance optimisation, data-driven decision-making, and fan engagement, while being constrained by organisational capabilities, ethical concerns, and governance challenges. An integrative framework is proposed to synthesise these factors.Practical Implications The results provide actionable insights for sport managers, federations, and policy makers by highlighting key organisational factors that should be prioritised when implementing AI-based solutions.Research Contribution This study contributes to sport management and leisure literature by integrating fragmented evidence into a coherent organisational framework that explains AI adoption beyond purely technological perspectives.Originality/Value The paper offers one of the first systematic, management-oriented syntheses of AI adoption in sport and leisure organisations, providing a structured framework to support both research and practice.