It's a question every major U.S. sports team faces after winning a championship these days: "Will the team visit the White House?"

The Philadelphia Eagles, coming off their first Super Bowl championship, have apparently reached a decision: They are planning a visit.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told the New York Times that the two sides have been talking about the "timing" of a visit.
“We have been in conversations with the Eagles about timing and are working with them to make it happen,” Sanders said. “We hope to have something finalized in the next couple of weeks.”

The Eagles issued a statement confirming talks are centered around logistics.
"We have been in contact with White House representatives and are currently discussing the logistics of an upcoming visit to Washington," the statement read, via NJ Advance Media. "We are honored to receive this invitation and view this not only as an opportunity to be recognized for our on-field accomplishments, but also as an opportunity to engage in productive dialogue with the leaders of our country."

Such ceremonial visits to the White House, once a highlight for all professional and collegiate teams that earned the invitation, have become fraught with controversy during President Donald Trump's time in office. For example, the Golden State Warriors did not visit last year after the president "uninvited" the team because of star Stephen Curry's comments. The Houston Astros attended a ceremony last month honoring the World Series champions.

Last year's Super Bowl champion, the Patriots, attended, but there were noticeable no-shows. Two of those Patriots, defensive lineman Chris Long and running back LeGarrette Blount, played for the Eagles this season, and have already indicated they would not attend a White House ceremony, according to the New York TImes. Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and wide receiver Torrey Smith also reportedly said they would not visit with the president.
Such a ceremony would also present a challenge for Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, one of the more liberal owners in the league