The purpose of this research is to design a competency enhancement model for managers focusing on spatial planning in the sports of Kerman Province. In terms of purpose, this study is applied-developmental, and in terms of approach, it was conducted qualitatively using the Strauss and Corbin grounded theory method. The participants of this study comprised 20 university professors, experts, and sports managers in Kerman Province; the selection of individuals was carried out through purposive sampling with the criterion of having at least 10 years of managerial experience and thorough familiarity in this field. Semi-structured interviews with the participants continued up to the stage of theoretical saturation. The data collection instruments included two parts: reviewing and examining the research literature in the desk/library section, and semi-structured interviews in the field section. The method of data analysis of the interviews was conducted using thematic analysis (basic, organizing, and global themes). The coding process and textual analysis of the interviews were carried out using MAXQDA 2020 qualitative data analysis software. The results demonstrated that the competency enhancement model for managers with a focus on spatial planning includes: core category (knowledge competencies, managerial competencies, strategic and spatial planning competencies, interactive and networking competencies), causal conditions (environmental transformations in sports, weaknesses in existing managerial capability, geographical inequality in facilities), contextual conditions (geographical and climatic characteristics, the managerial structure of provincial sports, socio-cultural capacities), intervening conditions (policies and laws, financial and human resources, data and technology infrastructure), strategies (empowering managers, regional planning, modifying managerial structures, developing network collaborations), and consequences (enhancing managerial performance, balanced development of sports, resource productivity, social participation)