Matthew Aho was quoted in multiple national news sources regarding historic changes in U.S.-Cuba policy that could have a profound effect on the way major league teams sign contracts with Cuban baseball players. Previously, Cuban players had to defect before they could sign with a major league team. Aho explained new work rules would make the process safer and easier for Cuban players to negotiate a contract directly with a baseball franchise. His comments appeared in CBSsports.com, The New York Times and Yahoo! Sports, among others.

The New York Times wrote, "'It would be wise to look at the Cuban economy, where reforms have already been undertaken,' said Matthew Aho, a special adviser on Cuba at the New York law firm Akerman L.L.P. 'In recent years, we've seen an increasing tendency to allow Cubans to participate in private economic activity. Cubans see the exodus of their players leaving, so there is an incentive to cooperate in a solution.'"

Aho told CBSsports.com, "In reading the regulation, it appears to mean that a Cuban baseball player can leave the country Monday and sign a major league contract on Tuesday. If M.L.B. and their franchises are assertive in their interpretations of these new rules, it would allow teams to negotiate contracts with Cuban baseball players at any time under U.S. law."

The New York Times: "New Work Rules Reshape M.L.B.'s Relationship With Cuban Prospects"
CBSsports.com: "How the New U.S.-Cuba Work Rules Could Impact MLB Signings"
Yahoo! Sports: "New Work Rule Impacts Process for MLB Teams to Sign Cuban Players"