New rules regarding the trade embargo between the United States and Cuba have paved the way for more Cuban athletes to one day play Major League Baseball and other professional sports.
Five days ahead of the first presidential trip to Havana in nearly 90 years, the U.S. also eliminated a ban on Cuban access to the international banking system.
The Cuban government made no immediate comment on the measures.
Tuesday's announcement allows Cuban citizens to earn salaries in the United States as long as they don't pay special taxes in Cuba, specifically mentioning athletes, artists and performers as potential beneficiaries.