The purpose of this study was to identify the effective factors in the economic diplomacy development in the sports industry in Iran. The research was descriptive-correlational and the target population included all professors, experts, and professionals in sports management and economics familiar with the concept of sports economics. By using Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 144 respondents was determined, and data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed through expert judgment and Cronbach’s alpha test, respectively. Structural equation modeling (third-order factor analysis) and Smart PLS 3 software were used to achieve the research objectives. The results indicated that economic infrastructure, knowledge and information development, communication development, quality enhancement of exports, expansion of exports, private sector development, active participation, and support are the key factors in the economic diplomacy development in the sports industry in Iran. Based on the research findings, on the one hand, it can be concluded that the development of the private sector and the increase of active participation and support in the field of sports industry can help the development of economic diplomacy of sports. on the other hand, promoting and facilitating quality exports and strengthening and developing diplomatic and economic communications and relations can also be effective factors in the development of economic diplomacy in Iranian sports.