New Orleans could soon be welcoming international soccer and rugby matches as Senator Patrick Connick proposed legislation that would make it possible for the national governing bodies of these sports to qualify for state incentives. This includes events such as World Cup matches and friendly matches between national or professional teams.
The bill, Senate Bill 404, has already been approved by the Senate and is currently awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives. The major event fund, which 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. Lesser-known sporting events such as mixed martial arts tournaments and the U.S. Bowling Congress tournament also qualify for funding under existing law.
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, the fund supports annual events in New Orleans like the Bayou Classic, Essence Festival, and Zurich Classic golf tournament. 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.
While New Orleans may not be hosting a soccer World Cup in 2026 as it has already been selected elsewhere, there are plans to bring rugby World Cup to America in 2031 when host cities are yet to be announced. NOLA Gold, a professional rugby team based in Metairie, proposed this legislation on behalf of their sport and has already received support from lawmakers who believe that bringing international sports events to Louisiana would boost tourism and economic growth in the region.