TKO Issues Internal Memo in Response to U.S. Travel Ban Enacted by Trump Administration – In light of the newly announced U.S. travel restrictions enacted by the Trump Administration, TKO Group Holdings has issued an internal memo to employees addressing the impact on its global roster of talent and staff. The executive order, signed on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, restricts entry into the United States for foreign nationals from several countries unless they already possess valid U.S. visas.
According to the internal communication, TKO is actively reviewing all visas sponsored through its affiliated companies, including those under WWE and UFC, to determine the full scope of the impact. The company acknowledged that the ban might be subject to legal challenges, and it anticipates further updates in the coming days or weeks.
The travel ban fully suspends entry for foreign nationals without valid visas from countries such as Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. A partial suspension is in place for visitors or students from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, although exceptions remain for individuals applying for creative or employment-based visas like the O-1, P-1, L, and H1-B categories.
The memo clarifies that existing visa holders, green card holders, and dual nationals with passports from non-restricted countries are generally exempt, though they may face increased scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry. Notably, athletes, coaches, and essential support staff participating in events such as the Olympics, World Cup, or other major sporting events may also qualify for entry under exemptions determined by the U.S. Secretary of State.
While WWE and UFC do not currently have scheduled events in any of the restricted countries, TKO stated that outreach will be initiated to any affected employees or contracted talent.
The full memo, which outlines the countries affected, the types of visas impacted, and possible exemptions, confirms that the company is taking a proactive approach to supporting individuals caught in the crosshairs of the new policy.
“We have undertaken a review of visas sponsored by TKO companies and the order will hopefully only impact a small number of athletes and employees. We will be reaching out to those impacted shortly.”
As the executive order is set to take effect on Monday, June 9, 2025, TKO is urging internal departments to flag any employees or talent scheduled for U.S. travel from the restricted regions to ensure proper documentation and legal support are provided.
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TKO Issues Internal Memo in Response to U.S. Travel Ban Enacted by Trump Administration
