Las Vegas sports industry leaders told U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen on August 27 that easier international travel and a more reliable visa process are essential to growing the city’s sports tourism economy, which generated $6.27 billion in economic impact in 2025.

The roundtable discussion, hosted by Rosen at UNLV, brought together representatives from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, UFC parent company TKO, and other major sports organizations that have made Las Vegas their home. The sector has expanded rapidly since the NHL awarded the Golden Knights an expansion franchise a decade ago, followed by the Raiders’ arrival at Allegiant Stadium in 2020, the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix starting in 2023, and the Athletics’ planned debut on the Strip in 2028.

However, Las Vegas saw a 7.5 percent drop in overall tourism in 2025, partially attributed to a decline in international visitors stemming from the Trump administration’s tariff and immigration policies. Sports executives said reversing that trend requires smoother entry for international fans and athletes.

Akosa Akpom, vice president of analytics and insights at TKO, which operates UFC, WWE, and PBR, told Rosen that a standard and reliable visa process would help the organization bring international fighters, wrestlers, and performers into the United States for live events. That process has become more complicated as the administration has tightened visa restrictions and increased revocations.

Lori Nelson-Kraft, senior vice president of corporate affairs for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, said international visitors want a seamless travel experience and to feel welcomed. She noted that last year’s Formula One race drew approximately 300,000 attendees from 49 countries. Nelson-Kraft also praised Rosen’s co-sponsorship of the Safer Skies Act, which grants qualified local agencies like Metro Police the authority to detect and mitigate unauthorized drone threats during the race.

The discussion also centered on workforce development, with Rosen highlighting UNLV’s new sports tourism hospitality degree program, the first of its kind in the nation. Twenty-four students enrolled in the inaugural class, which began August 25, with internships planned at Las Vegas sports teams.

UNLV Interim President Chris Heavey said the university is positioned to play a central role in building the workforce ecosystem supporting the sports tourism industry.

Sources: Las Vegas Sun, Vegas Inc.