### Trump's Reinstated Travel Ban Sparks Concerns for TKO Companies

President Donald Trump has reinstated a travel ban affecting several countries, raising concerns within TKO, the parent company of WWE and UFC. The ban, aimed at protecting national security, imposes full entry suspensions on citizens from countries including Haiti, Afghanistan, and the Republic of Congo. Partial suspensions are in place for nations like Venezuela, Cuba, and Sierra Leone, with citizens from these countries still eligible for work and creative visas.

TKO immediately responded to the travel ban by issuing an internal memo, later released by POST Wrestling, to inform the company's staff. The memo confirmed that a review of visas sponsored by WWE and UFC would be conducted. TKO expressed hope that a minimal number of their athletes and staff would be impacted by the reinstated ban, which is set to take effect on June 9.

The memo also highlighted that while passport holders from the affected countries can still travel to the United States with a valid visa, they will face rigorous questioning upon arrival and may encounter challenges entering the country. This additional scrutiny raises concerns for TKO, especially given their international workforce and talent pool.

At the end of 2024, TKO employed over 1,300 staff members across 12 countries, excluding the athletes and performers contracted by WWE and UFC. WWE currently has over 230 contracted wrestlers from more than 20 countries. Similarly, UFC's roster includes over 650 fighters representing more than 70 countries. TKO also emphasized the significance of international talent, noting that over 20% of WWE's developmental scouting is focused outside the United States, including countries like Haiti, which is now subject to the travel ban.

As TKO navigates the implications of this travel ban, the company is poised to address any potential disruptions to their operations and ensure minimal impact on their global talent base.