Sports tourism, as a dynamic and revenue-generating sector of the tourism industry, faces serious environmental, socio-cultural, and economic challenges. Smartification based on modern technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence can pave the way for sustainable development. However, the lack of a localized model for Iran's conditions has created a major research gap. This study used a qualitative approach and the grounded theory method of Strauss and Corbin. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 experts (sports management and tourism professors, IT managers) and analysis of 37 scientific documents, then analyzed through three coding stages. From 39 open codes, 12 concepts and 4 axial categories emerged: structural and institutional barriers, infrastructural and technical limitations, sustainable outcomes, and smartification strategies. Findings show that lacking an integrated institutional framework, insufficient sustainable funding, poor internet infrastructure, and data silos are key barriers, while cost reduction, revenue increase, job creation, preserving local culture, and reducing pollution are major positive outcomes. The proposed paradigm model introduces a triple priority developing a national document, allocating dedicated budgets, and upgrading internet infrastructure as the key strategy. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage should develop a national smart tourism document, allocate dedicated budgets, and enhance internet infrastructure in priority destinations. Additionally, developing localized models to improve the smart sports tourism ecosystem and conducting future research on emerging technologies are recommended.