New Orleans could be welcoming international soccer and rugby matches in the near future as Senate Bill 404 is awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives. This bill, introduced by Senator Patrick Connick, 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 like FIFA, World Rugby, U.S. Soccer, and USA Rugby would now be eligible for support from the state’s major event fund. NOLA Gold, a professional rugby team based in Metairie, was the driving force behind this legislation. The major event fund currently stands at around $22 million and 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. 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 won’t be hosting the soccer World Cup in 2026 as it hasn’t been selected yet as one of host cities, it could potentially be considered to host rugby World Cup in 2031 when America hosts and participates in this tournament on its soil
