I believe the athletes come to the U.S. on a P1 Visa. Here's what I found regarding obtaining a P1 Visa.
"To qualify for a P1 visa, the applicant must be internationally recognized and destined to enter the United States to compete or perform at a specific event.
An internationally recognized athlete or entertainer must have significant international recognition either as an individual or as part of a team/group. This must be evidenced by skill and recognition above that ordinarily encountered and the person or group must be recognized in more than one country for a sustained period of time.
In addition, the applicant must have a US employer or agent to sponsor their trip to the United States.
P1 visa applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements."
and
"A P1 visa entitles the holder to participate in an event in the US. A P1 visa is usually granted to entertainers for the duration of their specific event only and will not exceed 1 year. However, individual athletes may be admitted for up to 5 years and a team athlete for up to 1 year and extensions may be granted. Internationally recognized athletes and entertainers with a P1 visa are permitted dual intent, meaning the applicant can maintain P1 visa status while applying for a Green Card to remain in the US permanently."
They must grant the visas rather quickly since they cannot obtain the visa until they have a secure spot on the team. Practices usually begin immediately following tryouts.
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