• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Trump Travel Ban Not Expected to Impact MLB, NBA—for Now

Trump’s travel ban could impact players’ ability to get in and out of the country. 

Apr 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) points to the dugout after hitting an RBI single during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Daikin Park.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

President Donald Trump’s sweeping travel ban shouldn’t immediately impact the NBA and MLB, two leagues with players in the countries named in Wednesday’s proclamation

Trump’s travel ban places a full suspension of entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, and Sudan, among others. Cuba, Venezuela, and others have partial restrictions. 

The proclamation came with exceptions, including for professional athletes participating in major sporting events, and specifically listed the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The White House didn’t provide any further details on how the ban might affect professional sports leagues, as well as college and amateur athletes. 

“What it’s all going to come down to is how they define major sporting events,” Jeff Joseph, the president-elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association told Front Office Sports. “Formula 1 racing, the US Open, we don’t know yet how they’re going to define a major sporting event. And we don’t know yet because the White House issues a proclamation and the agencies are in charge of handling the specifics.”

When asked for the specifics of the ban and who it impacts, the White House referred FOS to the State Department. When reached for comment, the State Department referred FOS to the White House. 

The NBA currently has no active players from the listed countries, but will have one shortly as Duke center Khaman Maluach hails from South Sudan and is a projected lottery pick in the June 25 draft. Multiple league sources told FOS that Maluach’s visa status is not in jeopardy despite the ban. 

Joseph says Trump’s ban isn’t focused on foreign players like Maluach. “It should only impact people who don’t yet have a visa,” he tells FOS. “If they have a visa, theoretically they should be fine.”

Baseball has a much different player breakdown than the NBA. Some of the game’s biggest stars are from countries listed under the ban, such as Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (Venezuela) and Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez (Cuba). 

Other professional sports leagues, such as the NHL and NFL, don’t have the player pool from the listed countries that MLB and NBA do. 

A spokesperson for the MLB Players Association told FOS it is still working through the proclamation, but said the majority of its members should be in the clear. 

“The Players Association is consulting with immigration experts and has been in touch with both MLB and other sports unions on this issue,” the MLBPA statement said. “Importantly, as currently drafted, the proclamation does not impact or affect Players with either P [athletes or performers] or O [arts] visas, or their family members with dependent visas. We will continue to monitor closely all U.S. immigration developments and any adjustments or revisions that may be made.”

MLB doesn’t have an international draft; instead the league has a signing day for non-U.S.-born prospects in January, which means the ban might not pose issues for teams and players in free agency for months. 

What’s more of an unknown is if players from the listed countries with existing visas will have the ability to re-enter the U.S. For instance, if they play on the road, in Toronto, or they’re returning to the U.S. from their native country after the offseason, will they face problems?

“There’s really no distinction with [returning from] Canada,” Joseph says. “This proclamation is a ban on entry. It’s about the granting of visas, but it’s really a ban on entry.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.
Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium.
exclusive

Big Ten Considering Investment From California Pension Fund

In the proposed deal, the Big Ten would spin off assets into a new entity.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift Explains Why She Isn’t Playing Super Bowl Halftime

She said she’s “too locked in” on Travis Kelce’s season to perform.
UFL Football
October 7, 2025

UFL Moving Three Teams to Soccer Stadiums in Columbus, Orlando, and Louisville

The UFL is moving its teams to smaller stadiums.
October 7, 2025

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Scott Foster
October 6, 2025

NBA Refs Testing Earpieces in Preseason Games

The technology won’t be used in the regular season yet.
Soccer
October 6, 2025

UEFA ‘Reluctantly’ Approves LaLiga, Serie A Matches Abroad

The matches need final approval from FIFA.
Jul 19, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (4) passes the ball in the second half of a preseason preparation soccer match against the Borussia Dortmund at Notre Dame.
October 6, 2025

Liverpool’s $598M Gamble Looks Pretty Average on the Pitch—So Far

Liverpool struggles after historic offseason spending and lofty expectations.
October 6, 2025

NFL London Fans Get Partial Refunds After Ticket App Glitches

Fans experienced delays entering the Vikings-Browns game.