The article is devoted to the analysis of the theoretical and methodological foundations of sports management as an interdisciplinary field of scientific knowledge and professional activity. The article examines the origins of the discipline, its conceptual framework, key theoretical approaches (systemic, resource, institutional, marketing) and methodological tools. Based on the analysis of international and Russian studies, the necessity of integrating managerial, economic, sociological and pedagogical knowledge to ensure the sustainable development of sports organizations is substantiated. Special attention is paid to the evolution of sports management in the context of digitalization, commercialization and globalization of sports. It is concluded that in the Russian context, the further development of the discipline requires the strengthening of empirical research, standardization of professional competencies and integration into the international scientific community. Only with a systematic theoretical understanding and methodological reflection will sports management be able to ensure effective management of sports as a social institution and economic sector.