Louisiana is considering the possibility of adding international soccer and rugby matches to the events that can receive state funding support. Senate Bill 404, proposed by Sen. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero, would allow the international and national governing bodies of soccer and rugby to qualify for state incentives if their teams compete in Louisiana.
Legislators defend spending public money on these large events by arguing that they bring in more tax revenue for the state through expenditures on hotels and other goods and services by out-of-town visitors. The funds are also used to support annual events in New Orleans like the Bayou Classic, Essence Festival, and Zurich Classic golf tournament. The current budget making its way through the Louisiana Legislature plans to allocate $14 million from the major events incentive fund for the next year. Governor Jeff Landry had requested $10 million of that funding be allocated to Super Bowl LIX, which will be held in New Orleans in 2025.
However, although the United States will host the soccer World Cup in 2026, New Orleans is not among the host cities that have been selected. The city could potentially be a host in 2031 when America hosts and competes in the Rugby World Cup. NOLA Gold, a professional rugby team based in Metairie, has introduced legislation supporting this idea through Senate Bill 404 which is awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives. If passed, this bill would make it possible for FIFA World Cup matches or exhibitions between national or professional teams to qualify for state incentives under Louisiana’s major event fund.
