The theory underlies efforts to generate known knowledge and understanding of phenomena in the sports industry. When the literature is examined, it has been noticed that scientists do not critically examine the theory and its place in sports management science. From this point of view, this study is designed to generate ideas and provide information about the importance, application and development of theories in research in the field of sports management. Good theory does not just describe, it also explains things and provides a basis. Therefore, in a fundamentally applied field such as sports management, it is important to derive knowledge from theory-based and theory-building research. Developing theory can be one of the most challenging tasks a researcher undertakes, but it is also refreshing, intellectually stimulating, and provides the potential for discoveries that would not otherwise be possible. As researchers, we seek to explain, predict, and ultimately control; Therefore, it is important that our research is based on good theory. It is equally important that research, practice and learning are grounded in good theory that guides the description, prediction and effective management of the sport enterprise. For this reason, the study focuses on how researchers in the field can invest in theory through research, whether it is borrowing, adapting and extending theory from other disciplines or creating new theory related to the field within sports management.