## 5 Discussion
### Key Findings and Implications  
Ticketing systems can be created using blockchain-based platforms, allowing fans to purchase tickets directly from organizers, eliminating the risk of counterfeit tickets, and ensuring fair pricing. Additionally, blockchain can enable the resale of tickets on a secure secondary market, allowing fans to buy and sell tickets without intermediaries [7; 17]. Figure 3 shows that the loading factors for SmartTicket (LF = 0.873) and DescentralizationTiket (LF = 0.791) are both quite high (over the 0.6 threshold), indicating that the respondents believe they offer significant benefits brought about by blockchain. The authenticity and provenance of sports memorabilia can also be verified through blockchain-based smart contracts, recording ownership history on a blockchain to ensure authenticity and prevent tampering. Fan engagement platforms can reward fans with digital tokens for attending games, purchasing merchandise, or engaging with content on social media [5; 6; 7]. The loading factors for RewardingFan (LF = 0.848) and PlayerTokens (LF = 0.908) are also quite high (over the 0.6 threshold), indicating that the respondents perceive these as significant advantages offered by blockchain technology (Figure 3). Smart contracts automate and secure athlete contracts and payments, streamlining contract negotiations and automating payments. Sports betting platforms can be transparent and decentralized, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair outcomes [7; 17; 28]. In Figure 3 one may observe that the loading factor for FinancialSupport (LF = 0.791) and CryptoSponsorship (LF = 0.748) have very high values (higher than the 0.6 threshold), meaning that in the respondents' opinion, they represent important advantages brought by blockchain. Blockchain technology can improve performance in sports by securely tracking player performance data, preventing tampering or manipulation, and providing medical staff with comprehensive records of a player's medical history. Wearable devices equipped with blockchain technology can continuously monitor player health metrics during training and matches, providing early warning signs of potential injuries [3; 12; 25; 38]. Figure 3 shows that AppDescentralization (LF = 0.869) and AppData (LF = 0.865) have very high loading factors (over the 0.6 threshold), indicating that the respondents believe blockchain apps are crucial for athletic performance. Scouting and talent identification can be achieved through transparent and decentralized platforms, where player performance data and reports are securely recorded and shared among clubs, agents, and scouts. Fan engagement platforms can provide fans with new ways to interact with their favorite sports clubs, such as issuing digital tokens representing ownership or voting rights [7; 28; 29]. As can be seen in Figure 3, the loading factors for AppInfo (LF = 0.876) and AppSponsor (LF = 0.857) are both quite high (overthe 0.6 threshold), indicating that the respondents believe blockchain apps are crucial for athletic performance. Lastly, secure and transparent ticketing systems can be created, preventing ticket fraud and scalping, enabling dynamic pricing based on demand, and transferring or reselling tickets securely and transparently [5; 6; 7]. Figure 3 shows that the loading factors for AppTickets (LF = 0.898) and AppRevenue (LF = 0.822) are both quite high (over the 0.6 threshold), indicating that the respondents believe blockchain apps are crucial to sports success. The results of this study underscore the significant role of blockchain applications in fostering trust, improving performance, and streamlining operations within the Romanian sports ecosystem. This discussion contextualizes the findings within the broader framework of technological innovation and its implications for sports professionals, athletes, and policymakers. First, the study validates the hypothesis that blockchain applications significantly enhance confidence in the perceived benefits of the technology among sports professionals.