This study aimed to analyze the impact of professional and competitive sports on overall sports development, with a specific focus on identifying and prioritizing key indicators influencing sports development in these domains. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. During the qualitative phase, experts were interviewed to determine the critical indicators for each component, while the quantitative phase involved surveys of sports managers and professors to collect data on the identified indicators. The findings of the study revealed that talent identification emerged as the foremost priority for competitive sports, underscoring its crucial role in fostering success in this realm. On the other hand, organizational effectiveness was identified as a critical factor for professional sports development. The quantitative results obtained provided empirical evidence that supported and reinforced the qualitative insights derived from the study. In the context of competitive sports, the study identified the development of systematic talent identification and youth nurturing platforms as the most vital requirement. Conversely, in the professional sports sector, enhancing organizational capabilities, governance, and commercial strategies were recognized as the top priorities. These results serve to emphasize the necessity for tailored strategies, investments, and policies that are specifically designed to enhance organizational effectiveness in professional sports and maximize talent identification in competitive sports. The evidence-based understanding of sports development priorities gained from this study holds the potential to foster a vibrant sporting culture that encompasses both grassroots participation and elite achievements.