This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the psychological effects of change drivers on the performance and motivation of athletes in the Iraqi Handball Premier League. The present study is descriptive-analytical and purpose-based, applied. The data collection method was a survey and the research tools included a researcher-made questionnaire to measure the psychological effects of change and the Standard Sports Motivation (SMS-II) and Athlete Performance Questionnaires of Charbonneau et al. (2001). The statistical population of the study included all players of 15 teams in the Iraqi Handball Premier League (180 people) who were selected using the total sampling method. Finally, 159 completed and valid questionnaires were analyzed. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling with PLS software) were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the psychological effects of change drivers have an effect on athletes' motivation. This effect, with a coefficient of 0.771 and a significant t-value of 22.373, indicates a strong and positive relationship between the two variables. Also, the psychological effects of change drivers have an effect on athletes' performance. This effect, with a coefficient of 0.672 and a significant t-value of 14.701, indicates a strong and positive relationship between the two variables. Therefore, the research findings showed that the psychological effects of change drivers have a positive and significant relationship on athletes' motivation and performance. These effects affect athletes' performance by increasing stress and anxiety, adaptation challenges, .