Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of unlearning on knowledge management (KM) in sport organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The research method in this study was the descriptive–correlative type. Subjects in this research included all the employees of sport and youth organizations in Iran. To analyze the research data, inferential statistics including exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation model were used. A theoretical model was developed and tested based on the literature review. Data were analyzed via SPSS and LISREL software. Findings – The results from the study illustrate that there were significant relationships among all dimensions of unlearning and dimensions of KM. Furthermore, the model of the influence of unlearning on KM, as well as the model of the influence of dimensions of unlearning on KM, illustrates proper finesses. Originality/value – Through this study, the positive fundamental role of considering the processes of managing unlearning and avoiding bad habits as two coordinator tools to achieve tangible assesses in organizations is revealed and the significance of considering such studies is specified for researchers. This study supported the members of sport organizations to understand how to improve knowledge and experience of the employees through unlearning.
