An inner memo from TKO has raised issues inside WWE and UFC after President Donald Trump reinstated a controversial journey ban. With the manager order set to take impact Monday, June 9, TKO is bracing for potential disruptions to its world roster of athletes and employees.
The memo, despatched out Thursday night and shared with POST Wrestling, was authored by UFC employees and circulated throughout the whole TKO group. The urgency behind it suggests rising concern—particularly as TKO oversees a whole lot of worldwide abilities between its WWE and UFC divisions.
“We’ve undertaken a evaluate of visas sponsored by TKO corporations and the order will hopefully solely affect a small variety of athletes and workers,” the memo learn. “We will probably be reaching out to these impacted shortly.”
TKO’s annual report reveals the corporate employs over 1,300 folks throughout 12 international locations, with UFC having greater than 650 fighters from 70+ nations and WWE representing 230 abilities from 20+ international locations. A few of these people come from international locations instantly affected by the brand new order—together with Haiti, Libya, Iran, and Somalia.
In response to the memo, the journey ban applies to international nationals presently exterior of the U.S. who don’t have legitimate visas. These affected might face both full or partial suspension, relying on their nation of origin. Passport holders from Afghanistan, Haiti, and Yemen, amongst others, fall underneath full suspension. Partial restrictions apply to international locations like Cuba, Venezuela, Laos, and Togo—however inventive and work visas (like O-1 or H1-B) are nonetheless being allowed underneath strict circumstances.
TKO additionally flagged the opportunity of problems even for these with present visas.
“Passport holders from the above international locations with current visas should still journey to the US however might face problem on the airport and in depth questioning on the border,” the memo acknowledged.
Exceptions embody inexperienced card holders, twin residents utilizing a passport from a non-restricted nation, and people deemed to be coming into the U.S. within the nationwide curiosity. Athletes competing in main sporting occasions just like the Olympics or World Cup are additionally exempt, if authorized by the Secretary of State.
Whereas WWE and UFC aren’t planning fast occasions within the impacted international locations, the inner evaluate is targeted on safeguarding expertise who could also be touring for reveals or coaching. The corporate additionally famous that the scenario might evolve, pending authorized challenges or additional steering from U.S. immigration officers.
“We anticipate additional data to grow to be obtainable (and it’s also potential that the ban will probably be challenged in court docket),” the memo concluded.
With a worldwide expertise base and main occasions on the horizon, TKO is now tasked with monitoring how these restrictions might have an effect on enterprise. The subsequent few weeks might reveal whether or not these immigration insurance policies flip into logistical nightmares—or drive tough selections about journey and bookings.
Do you assume TKO’s worldwide stars will face main fallout from this coverage? Ought to WWE and UFC modify their journey or hiring methods? Pontificate within the feedback and tell us your take.
