Louisiana may soon be welcoming international soccer and rugby matches to the vast array of events that can seek funding support from the state. The state’s major event fund, which currently stands at around $22 million, is used to attract significant events like the Super Bowl, WWE Wrestlemania, political party conventions, and the NCAA Final Four basketball championship.
Senator Patrick Connick has introduced Senate Bill 404 that would make it possible for international and national governing bodies of soccer and rugby to qualify for state incentives if their teams compete in Louisiana. Organizations such as FIFA, World Rugby, U.S. Soccer, and USA Rugby would now be eligible for support from the state’s major event fund. This bill was proposed on behalf of NOLA Gold, a professional rugby team based in Metairie.
The current budget being considered by the Louisiana Legislature allocates $14 million from the major events incentive fund for the next year. Governor Jeff Landry requested $10 million of that funding to go towards hosting Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in 2025. Legislators argue that investing public funds in these large events is justified because they bring back more tax revenue to the state through hotel stays and other spending by out-of-town guests. Additionally, annual events like Bayou Classic, Essence Festival, and Zurich Classic golf tournament are supported under existing law with lesser-known sporting events such as mixed martial arts tournaments and U.S. Bowling Congress tournament also qualifying for funding under existing law.
While New Orleans will not be hosting soccer World Cup in 2026 due to host cities selection do not include New Orleans; however, New Orleans could potentially be in the running to host rugby World Cup in 2031 when America hosts and participates in the tournament