American Football Touches Down in the UK: Immigration Considerations for Expansion

The US National Football League (NFL), the governing body of American football, has made major inroads in the UK and in Europe over the past decade. And as the Super Bowl captivates audiences across the globe, it is clear that American football’s influence extends far beyond US borders. The popularity of this event underscores the sport’s growing global reach.

In October 2024, the NFL hosted multiple games in London, at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur stadiums. Behind the scenes of this transatlantic expansion lies a critical aspect of logistics: Players, coaching staff and support teams travelling for games must navigate various immigration requirements within the UK’s existing framework.

Sports Visit Visa

In preparation for travel, the NFL clubs needed to assess their players’ and accompanying staff’s compliance with UK immigration laws. The appropriate steps are dependent on an individual’s nationality, because while many NFL players may be US nationals, others are often recruited from overseas by US colleges at the start of their careers.

For individuals whose nationality is included on the UK government’s ‘visa national’ list, they would have been required to apply for and be granted permission for entry clearance as a visitor into the UK before travelling. Conversely, those nationalities that do not appear on the ‘visa nationals’ list (referred to as ‘non-visa nationals’), which includes US nationals, could have met the requirements for entry clearance upon arrival at the UK border.

Under the current immigration rules, only certain ‘permitted activities’ are authorised in the UK as a visitor. The list of permitted activities is varied, with sports in its own category. NFL players benefit from being able to enter the UK as a visitor to take part in a sports tournament as part of a sports team. In addition, they are also able to make personal appearances and take part in promotional activities.

Technical staff with visitor status are also able to take part in the above activities, however, they must attend the same events as the players. In addition, the staff must be employed to work for the relevant club outside of the UK. Coaches applying for a visit visa under this category as a ‘visa national’ may need to submit documentation to evidence their upcoming participation in the games and evidence their employment by a US employer.

Permitted Paid Engagement Visas

The Permitted Paid Engagement Visa is another short-term visa option available to professional sports players based overseas. This visa would usually apply where a sportsperson is coming to the UK to participate in a specific event (or series of events) and will receive payment for their participation.

This route allows a sportsperson to stay in the UK for up to one month. To meet the eligibility criteria, an applicant must provide evidence to demonstrate that they are an established sports player, including but not limited to; media coverage, awards received and their recent participation in sporting events/games. Furthermore, the applicant must receive an invitation to participate from a UK-based sports organisation, agent or broadcaster.

Growth of American Football in the UK and the International Sportsperson Visa

The NFL London Games have become an exciting annual event since 2007. American football has grown in popularity with the UK audience, likely leading to an increase in overseas players in the NFL, with more games being played within the UK.

In 2023, the NFL and British American Football Association (BAFA) announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the delivery and participation of Flag Football in the UK at all levels of the game.

Earlier this year, Louis Rees-Zammit, a Welsh former rugby union player, made the switch to the NFL when he was signed by Jacksonville Jaguars. Other former rugby players have made the same switch following the introduction of the International Player Pathway Program by the NFL, to increase the pool of players in the sport from outside the US and Canada.

Due to the increasing popularity of American football in the UK, it is important for international players and staff to seek assistance in relocating to ply their trade in the UK. If a professional sportsperson wishes to engage in sporting activities in the UK for a season or longer, obtaining an International Sportsperson visa would be the most appropriate visa route.

This route requires an applicant to receive formal endorsement from a UK sports governing body, and sponsorship from a UK sports club. The governing body endorsement (GBE) for American football in the UK is issued by BAFA, who will determine whether the applicant is:

• • • internationally established at the highest level; and
    • will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK.

Under this category, there is no minimum salary requirement which differs from other UK work routes and is not subject to the recent and significant increase in salary thresholds implemented by the former UK government.

Applications submitted from outside the UK can take up to three weeks to process, with few options for expedited service. Since applicants may apply up to three months in advance, careful planning is crucial to ensure timely arrival.

Need to Know More?

American football is finding new fans in the UK and building exciting growth opportunities, and with more NFL teams heading overseas, understanding the UK’s immigration requirements is essential for smooth entry.

For questions regarding the UK immigration system and sports-related visa options, please contact Manager Alexander Hood at [email protected].

This blog was published on 31 January 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.