## 3 Materials and Methods
### Design and Research Phase  
The survey was conducted via Google Forms, with respondents completing the forms under the researcher's guidance. The participants included athletes and academics from the National University of Physical Education and Sports in Bucharest, as well as representatives from the Romanian National Sports Federations. To ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards, the study adhered to GDPR regulations. All the respondents provided informed consent for the anonymous processing of their data and opinions. The study received approval from the Institutional Review Board (Approval No. 37, dated 20 January 2023). Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Following a rigorous data-cleaning process, 293 valid responses were retained, comprising 213 from football and 80 from basketball participants. Ambiguous and incomplete responses were excluded to maintain the integrity of the analysis. The sample size imbalance between football and basketball follows the structure of the statistical population. Although the sample size is modest, it remains representative because the inclusion criterion was to previously use these technologies. The questionnaire was informed by prior studies [11,12] and the primary author's firsthand experience coaching athletes who incorporated blockchain technology as part of their professional practices. The respondents rated their answers on a Likert scale, ranging from \(-2\) (totally disagree) to 2 (totally agree). This scale was chosen for its symmetric design, allowing for clearer distinctions in agreement intensity. The methodological framework ensured the systematic organization and evaluation of the data. Partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. This technique allows for the simultaneous examination of interactions between latent, formative, and reflective variables, even in studies with smaller sample sizes. The model incorporated two latent reflective constructs: blockchain apps and blockchain benefits. The variables and their corresponding description items are presented below:  
Blockchain benefits in sports: Blockchain-based sponsorship uses the internet to publish and broadcast information about sports teams and athletes, enabling online payment. Tokenization is used to fund amateur and lesser-known athletes, recouping investment from team earnings. Smart tickets are tracked using blockchain technology, and decentralization prevents ticket resale. Data security is enhanced by allowing the secure sharing of personal information. Anti-doping is managed through blockchain technology. Fans caninvest in talented young athletes, recouping their investment through tokens and smart contracts. Fans can also track and reward fun activities using a unique algorithm. Blockchain apps: In the context of this study, we define \"blockchain apps\" not as standalone software platforms, but as a set of functional blockchain-based applications utilized in sports. These include smart contracts, tokenization mechanisms, decentralized data management systems, blockchain-based ticketing, and fan engagement protocols. The term encompasses both technological artifacts (such as NFTs or token platforms like Socios.com) and operational uses (e.g., automating sponsorship deals and securely tracking athlete data). The study explores blockchain applications in the sports sector, focusing on sponsorship management, athlete tokenization, smart ticketing systems, and decentralized ticket resale mechanisms. Platforms like SportyCo and eToro demonstrate the use of crypto sponsorships, while platforms like PlayerTokens allow aspiring players to monetize their potential. Secure performance data management is enabled by platforms like Daynos.io, while decentralized payment systems like No Limit Fantasy Sports and MyDFS facilitate transparent participation and reward models. Performance level: The term refers to competitive athletic outcomes rather than physiological or biomechanical performance.