World Cup soccer, rugby might get incentives to bring matches to Louisiana • Louisiana Illuminator

Louisiana might add international soccer and rugby matches to the long list of events that can seek state funding support.

Senate Bill 404, 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 play in Louisiana.

The types of events that could draw down money include World Cup matches and “friendlies” between national or professional teams. Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), World Rugby, U.S. Soccer and USA Rugby are among the organizations that would be newly eligible for support from the state’s major event fund. 

Connick said he brought the legislation on behalf of NOLA Gold, a professional rugby team based in Metairie. His bill has passed the Senate and is waiting for a vote in the House of Representatives.

The state incentive fund stands around $22 million currently and is used to attract major events such as the Super Bowl, WWE Wrestlemania, national political party conventions and the NCAA Final Four basketball championship. Several lesser known sporting events – such mixed martial arts tournaments and the U.S. Bowling Congress tournament – also qualify, according to existing law.

Legislators have justified spending public money on these large spectacles because they say they bring back more tax revenue to the state through hotel stays and other spending from out-of-town guests. 

The money is also used to support some annual events in New Orleans, such as the Bayou Classic, Essence Festival and Zurich Classic golf tournament.

The current budget moving through the Louisiana Legislature allocates $14 million from the major events incentive fund next year. Gov. Jeff Landry had requested $10 million of that funding go to Super Bowl LIX, which is in New Orleans in 2025. 

The United States is hosting the soccer World Cup in 2026, but host cities for the games have already been chosen and do not include New Orleans. It could potentially be in the mix in 2031 when America hosts and plays in the rugby World Cup.