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Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is a corporate law firm with over 230 attorneys serving clients in nine offices throughout Michigan. Among the largest law firms in Michigan, Warner works in virtually all areas of business law.

Michigan Law Firm - Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

The Winter Olympics may have come to a close, but for sports organizations, leagues and teams across the United States, the real work never ends. The Olympic Games are just one stop in an increasingly crowded global sports calendar. In the coming months, the U.S. will see the FIFA World Cup, NBA playoffs (featuring players from dozens of countries around the world), F-1 races, major golf and tennis tournaments and more. Elite athletic talent is increasingly global, and many of the athletes who drive fan engagement, competitive success and commercial value are not U.S. citizens.

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As teams look to recruit and retain top international talent in advance of these events, immigration planning becomes a critical (and frequently overlooked) part of roster construction. Athlete visa classifications, such as the P-1A and O-1, are essential tools allowing international competitors to train, compete and perform in the U.S. legally, ensuring that teams can field the best possible talent when the next major competition arrives.

Professional leagues, individual teams and even e-sports organizations routinely recruit players, coaches and essential support personnel from abroad, all of whom must navigate U.S. immigration rules before they can compete or perform services. For these organizations, success today depends not only on scouting and contracts, but also on the ability to employ international talent. The P-1 and O-1 visa classifications provide powerful tools for doing exactly that.

Why Sports Organizations Should Care

Global competition for athletic talent has intensified across traditional professional sports and the rapidly growing e-sports sector alike. Without a sophisticated visa strategy, leagues and teams risk losing top international recruits to rival organizations abroad or facing costly delays that sideline key players. The P-1 and O-1 categories allow for faster, more flexible sponsorships than many general employment-based visas and can be tailored to the fast-paced realities of player contracts, trades, tournaments and competitive seasons. But compliance is critical. Errors in visa structuring, timing or employer obligations can result in status violations, processing delays or the inability of an athlete or competitor to participate when it matters most.

The P-1 Visa: Perfect for Professional Athletes

The P-1A classification is designed for internationally recognized athletes or teams coming to the U.S. to participate in specific competitions or seasons. A related category, P-1S, covers essential support staff — such as coaches, trainers and technicians — whose services are integral to the athlete’s performance. Individual athletes may be granted P-1A status for up to five years, while teams are typically approved for periods tied to the event or season, with extensions available. Dependents may accompany the principal athlete under P-4 status.

One procedural detail frequently overlooked by teams is what happens when an athlete is traded or transferred. In most cases, the acquiring organization must file a new P-1 petition within 30 days to maintain lawful status. Organizations must also monitor material changes, such as significant contract revisions or expanded competition scope, which may trigger amended filings. Recent litigation involving a professional basketball player challenging a P-1A denial in the context of NCAA Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rights highlights how evolving commercial structures in sports can directly affect visa eligibility and adjudication.

The O-1 Visa: For Athletes of Extraordinary Ability

Although often associated with artists or researchers, the O-1A category is a powerful option for athletes who have achieved sustained national or international acclaim. Eligibility is demonstrated through evidence such as major awards, extensive media coverage, elite rankings, distinguished memberships or comparable documentation. Unlike the P-1, the O-1 is not limited to a specific team or competition and can offer greater flexibility for athletes engaged in multiple events, endorsements or leadership roles within their sport. Essential accompanying personnel may qualify for O-2 status.

Because O-1 petitions are highly evidence-driven, success often depends on presenting a cohesive narrative that clearly establishes the athlete’s standing at the top of their field. For organizations recruiting marquee players or long-term franchise leaders, the O-1 can be a strategic alternative — or complement — to the P-1 classification.

Not every international athlete requires a P-1 or O-1 visa to compete in the U.S.. In limited circumstances, athletes may be able to enter the U.S. in B-1 visitor status to participate in competitions where prize money is awarded if the athlete will not receive a salary or other compensation from a U.S. source. This can be a useful option for athletes traveling to the U.S. for short-term events such as international tournaments, individual competitions or showcase events where earnings are contingent on competitive results rather than guaranteed compensation.

Building a Smarter Immigration Strategy

Effective use of the P-1 and O-1 categories begins with early planning. Visa timing should be integrated into contract negotiations, preseason logistics and player movement windows — not left to last-minute filings. Evaluating an athlete’s competitive record at the outset helps determine the most appropriate visa strategy, while bundled filings can ensure that key coaches, trainers and support staff are authorized to work alongside the athlete. Clear contingency planning is also essential in the event of contract termination, as visa status can lapse quickly without prompt action.

Our team helps sports organizations map P-1 and O-1 pathways, prepare rigorous petitions and manage transfers or status transitions with confidence. Immigration strategy has become a competitive advantage in professional sports and e-sports. The P-1 and O-1 visa categories give U.S. leagues, teams and organizations the flexibility to recruit, retain and protect international talent while maintaining full compliance with federal regulations. For those serious about building global rosters and minimizing administrative risk, now is the time to act.

Talent Without Borders

Senior Counsel

Daniel C. “Dan” Persinger

Immigration

Unlocking Global Athletic Talent: How U.S. Leagues, Teams and E-Sports Organizations Can Leverage P-1 and O-1 Visas

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Unlocking Global Athletic Talent: How U.S. Leagues, Teams and E-Sports Organizations Can Leverage P-1 and O-1 Visas

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