The Sports and Health Development Bank (SHDB) is proposed as an innovative institutional model aimed at bridging the persistent financing gaps within the sports and health sectors, particularly in developing economies. Despite growing recognition of sport and health as drivers of human capital development, economic productivity, and social inclusion, these sectors remain underfunded and underprioritized in national development strategies. This paper presents a comprehensive proposal for the establishment of a Sports and Health Development Bank (SHDB) as a strategic financial institution designed to address long-standing underinvestment in the sports and health sectors, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Drawing insights from the structural and operational models of successful national development banks such as Germany’s Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau KfW and Brazil’s Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social BNDES, the SHDB is envisioned to serve as a dual-function institution—providing long-term, inclusive financing while also shaping policy direction in health and sports development. “The study outlines the bank’s core functions, including concessional lending for community sports facilities and healthcare infrastructure, technical assistance for local health and sport development programs, funding for research in sports science and preventive medicine, and fostering public-private partnerships to enhance access to quality health services and grassroots sports all aimed at driving inclusive economic growth, improving public health outcomes, and promoting social cohesion through sport.
Through a multidisciplinary review of 18 peer-reviewed academic articles and institutional reports, the paper underscores the significant role of structured financing in enhancing sports infrastructure, promoting athlete development, supporting wellness initiatives, and integrating sports medicine and technology. It also critically analyzes the challenges that may hinder the effectiveness of such a bank, including political interference, financial instability, and operational inefficiencies. The study, concluded by offering targeted recommendations for the successful establishment and sustainable operation of the SHDB, positioning it as a catalyst for transformative development in the intertwined domains of health and sports.