The aim of this study was to examine the role of environmental need factors in the level of sports participation. The research employed an applied qualitative approach using thematic analysis. The statistical population included professors of geography and rural planning, urban development planning experts, sports sciences faculty members, and PhD researchers in sports sciences and urban planning. The sample was selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 research experts until theoretical saturation was reached. The interviews were conducted in a semi-structured manner with prior coordination and scheduling. In this study, interviews were conducted with 15 participants, and from the tenth interview onward, repetition in the received information was observed. By the thirteenth interview, the data had become completely repetitive, reaching theoretical saturation; however, to ensure reliability, the interviews continued up to the fifteenth participant. The validity of the study was reviewed and confirmed by relevant experts, and the reliability, assessed using the intra-subject agreement method, was determined to be 86%. The findings revealed that 73 initial codes were categorized into 12 concepts and four main themes: environmental factors, environmental requirements, managerial and policy-making factors, and sustainable development factors. Accordingly, improving environmental infrastructure, developing and implementing sustainable policies, enhancing sports management, and increasing public awareness can play a significant role in promoting sports participation.