Sports Envoys are recruited by the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy Division in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) in collaboration with American professional sports leagues, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees, and national sports federations. Overseas, the Sports Diplomacy Division partners with U.S. embassy and consulate colleagues to implement Sports Envoy programs. A U.S. nonprofit organization serves as the logistical implementing partner.

The Sports Envoy program recruits passionate, community-oriented professional athletes to promote cross-cultural understanding, engage underserved communities, and empower the next generation of athletes as leaders through sport.

Over 300 Sports Envoys representing 24 different sports have traveled on behalf of the United States Government to deliver high-impact programming and improve bilateral relations. The full list of Sports Envoys organized by sport can be found below.