Sports industry raw data 、Digital-real integration raw data

This study aims to address the inadequacy of empirical research on the multidimensional evolution of the sports industry empowered by the fusion of the digital and real economies. We conduct theoretical analysis of the enabling mechanism of digital-real integration, the transmission mechanism of new quality productivity and the regulatory role of the business environment using panel data of 11 provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2016–2022. Methodologically, we employ the entropy weight-TOPSIS method and the coupling coordination degree model, as well as a baseline regression model, mediating effect model, moderating effect model and spatial Durbin model, to analyze the influence of digital-real integration on the multidimensional evolution of the sports industry and the mediating and regulating roles of new-quality productivity and the business environment. The results show that digital-real integration can directly promote the multidimensional evolution of the sports industry, and the conclusion still holds after a series of robustness tests. The impact of digital-real integration on the multidimensional evolution of the sports industry is heterogeneous in regions with different economic levels and degrees of integration. Digital-real integration can effectively promote the multidimensional evolution of the sports industry by fostering new-quality productive forces. Optimizing the business environment is conducive to strengthening the relationship between digital-real integration and the multidimensional evolution of the sports industry. Moreover, digital-real integration has a spatial spillover effect on the multidimensional evolution of the sports industry and a greater positive effect on neighboring regions than on the local region. Accordingly, digital-real integration should be carried out according to local conditions, the development of new-quality productivity forces in the sports industry should be accelerated, and efforts should be made to create a better business environment to improve the quality and efficiency of the regional sports industry.