The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers and drivers influencing the development of the Iraqi Volleyball Stars League and to present a comprehensive development model. The study employed a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis. Participants included national and club coaches, national team players, international referees, managers and staff of the Iraqi Volleyball Federation, and academic experts in Iraq. They were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued through semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was reached with 18 participants. The findings revealed that the barriers to league development consisted of 58 initial codes, 12 sub-themes, and 8 main themes, including managerial and structural barriers, infrastructure and competition quality, financial and marketing challenges, scientific and educational barriers, cultural and social issues, media and technology limitations, human resources and fan-related issues, and political-security barriers. Furthermore, the drivers of league advancement were identified in 48 initial codes, 11 sub-themes, and 6 main themes, including international engagement, infrastructure development, marketing and sponsorship attraction, digital media communication, professional standardization, and modern sports technologies.