DAO governance model for open access sports science databases: a study on decentralized autonomous organizations

Abstract

Introduction, Sports science data governance is characterized by persistent tensions between data sharing, stakeholder incentives, and regulatory constraints. These challenges are amplified by fragmented data infrastructures and competing interests among stakeholders, limiting the effective use of data in performance optimization and research. Objective, This study aims to develop and theoretically ground a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO)-based governance framework for sports science data ecosystems, focusing on how decentralized mechanisms can enhance coordination, participation, and compliance. Methodology, A multi-method research design is employed, integrating conceptual case analysis, agent-based modeling (ABM), and survey-based empirical analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to examine the relationships between governance perceptions, incentives, and data-sharing intentions. Results, The findings indicate that DAO-based mechanisms can support more distributed and transparent data-sharing processes. Simulation results suggest that participation dynamics follow non-linear patterns, with incentive and reputation mechanisms contributing to system stabilization. Empirical results identify technical usability, perceived regulatory compliance, and incentive structures as significant predictors of stakeholder participation. Discussion, The study contributes to platform governance and institutional theory by conceptualizing a hybrid decentralized governance model for data-intensive environments. The findings highlight the importance of aligning technological design with usability and regulatory requirements. However, limitations related to model assumptions, perception-based data, and interoperability challenges remain. Future research should focus on real-world implementation and the development of standardized governance frameworks.