Student success in sports, given its impact on personal and social development, has become a primary concern for families and the state. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors influencing students' choice of sports major, emphasizing family background. This was an applied study using a qualitative thematic analysis method (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The statistical population included subject matter experts, academic scholars, school principals, physical education teachers, and parents. Twenty-three participants were selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Based on the findings, 89 items, 9 sub-themes, and 3 main themes were identified. The results indicated that "Intrapersonal Factors," "Interpersonal Factors," and "Macro Factors" are the primary causal drivers. The study concludes that choosing a sports major is a complex process requiring attention to individual, familial, and social variables. It is suggested that educational and athletic institutions facilitate this process through talent identification programs and financial/cultural support. Furthermore, educating parents on managing sports-related costs and encouraging support for their children's activities can yield significant positive effects.