Las Vegas sports executives are urging federal action to streamline international travel and visa processes, citing the need to support the city’s $6.27 billion sports tourism sector and sustain economic growth after a recent dip in international visitors.
Las Vegas sports industry leaders are pressing for federal reforms to make international travel and visa processing more reliable, arguing that these changes are essential to sustaining the city’s booming sports tourism economy. The call to action came during a roundtable discussion with U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., on Wednesday, as executives highlighted the challenges facing teams, venues, and event organizers in bringing international athletes and fans to Southern Nevada.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, sports tourism generated $6.27 billion in economic impact in 2025. However, overall tourism to Las Vegas declined by 7.5% that year, a drop attributed in part to fewer international visitors following recent federal tariff and immigration policies. Industry leaders say that without improvements to travel and visa systems, Las Vegas risks losing momentum as a global sports destination.
Sports Tourism Drives Las Vegas Economy
Over the past five years, Las Vegas has rapidly expanded its sports footprint. The opening of Allegiant Stadium and the arrival of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 marked a turning point, followed by the launch of the annual Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. The city is also preparing for the Athletics’ debut on the Strip in 2028, while the UFC continues to host major events. The Vegas Golden Knights, who joined the NHL a decade ago, helped set the stage for this transformation.
Representatives from these organizations joined the discussion with Sen. Rosen, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to keep Las Vegas competitive for international events and visitors. “We’re proud to be the home to so many incredible teams, and the destination for major sporting events — all of which contributes to our tourism economy and local jobs,” Rosen said during the meeting.
Visa and Travel Barriers Impact Events
Akosa Akpom, vice president of analytics and insights at TKO—the parent company of UFC, WWE, and PBR—told Rosen that a predictable visa process is critical for bringing international fighters and performers to Las Vegas. Akpom noted that recent federal policy changes have made it more difficult to secure visas quickly, complicating event planning and limiting the city’s ability to attract global talent.
Lori Nelson-Kraft, senior vice president of corporate affairs for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, echoed these concerns. She said that international fans expect a seamless travel experience and that any barriers can discourage attendance. The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix drew about 300,000 attendees, with fans from 49 countries, underscoring the city’s global reach.
Safety and Workforce Initiatives
Nelson-Kraft also highlighted the importance of the Safer Skies Act, which Rosen co-sponsored. The act allows local agencies, such as Metro Police, to detect and mitigate unauthorized drone activity during major events like the Formula One race. Previously, only select federal agencies had this authority, but the change is seen as vital for protecting large international gatherings on the Strip.
Workforce development was another focus of the discussion. Rosen pointed to UNLV’s new sports tourism hospitality degree program, which launched with 24 students this week. The program is designed to train the next generation of sports industry professionals, with students interning for local teams and events. UNLV Interim President Chris Heavey said the university is uniquely positioned to support the region’s sports workforce, offering students opportunities to work with organizations such as the Super Bowl, NBA Summer League, UFC, NFL, NHL, MLB, and WNBA franchises.
Looking Ahead for Las Vegas Sports
Panelists agreed that continued collaboration between sports organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies is essential for maintaining Las Vegas’ status as a premier sports tourism destination. As the city prepares for future events and new teams, industry leaders say that streamlined international travel and a skilled local workforce will be key to sustaining growth and economic impact.
