Sport Logistics at the Crossroads of AI, Supply Chain Resilience, and Sustainability: An Integrated Theoretical Framework

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the global sport industry, coupled with digital transformation, increasing supply chain disruptions, and growing sustainability expectations, has elevated sport logistics from an operational support function to a strategic capability. Despite the increasing attention devoted to logistics, supply chain management, and digital technologies, the literature remains fragmented, with limited integration of artificial intelligence (AI), supply risk management, sustainability, and sport logistics within a unified conceptual framework. Addressing this gap, this study develops an integrated theoretical perspective that synthesizes the structural foundations of sport logistics, supply chain risk management, Industry 4.0 technologies, and sustainable logistics practices. The study adopts a theoretical and conceptual research design based on an extensive review and critical synthesis of the contemporary literature on sport management, logistics, supply chain management, digital transformation, and sustainability. The analysis identifies the functional architecture of sport logistics through four core dimensions—procurement, operations, distribution, and reverse logistics—and examines their strategic roles within modern sport organizations. Furthermore, the study evaluates the supply risk management maturity of sport small and medium-sized enterprises, highlighting their predominantly reactive approaches to global supply chain disruptions. The findings also demonstrate how AI, big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other Industry 4.0 technologies enhance demand forecasting, inventory optimization, operational agility, and supply chain resilience. In addition, the integration of green logistics and circular economy principles is discussed as a critical pathway toward environmental sustainability and long-term competitive advantage. The study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive conceptual framework that integrates strategic management, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and sustainability within the context of sport logistics. It also identifies important research opportunities regarding AI-enabled decision support systems, digital transformation strategies for sport , and resilient, sustainable sport supply chains. The proposed framework offers both theoretical insights and practical guidance for researchers, sport organizations, and supply chain managers seeking to strengthen the strategic role of logistics in the evolving sport ecosystem.