News Summary
The Louisiana Legislature has proposed a $7 million allocation to attract the LIV Golf tournament to New Orleans. Part of the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, this funding aims to revamp local facilities and stimulate economic growth. With the tournament set for June or July 2026, estimates suggest it could generate $60 million in local spending. Despite facing criticism for its funding sources, LIV Golf continues to draw interest from top players, and Louisiana hopes to secure a multi-year agreement to enhance local tourism and sports culture.
New Orleans is set to receive a substantial financial boost as the Louisiana Legislature prepares to allocate at least $7 million in public funds to attract the LIV Golf tournament to the city. The proposal, put forward by the Louisiana Senate Finance Committee, forms part of the $49 billion state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The funding is intended to enhance local facilities and stimulate economic activity through this high-profile sporting event.
The Louisiana Economic Development agency, under the leadership of Governor Jeff Landry, initiated the request for these funds. Senate President Cameron Henry has reported that at least $2 million from the total allocation will be earmarked for upgrades to the Bayou Oaks golf course located at New Orleans City Park, ensuring it meets the quality standards expected for hosting a LIV Golf event. The remaining $5 million will be provided as a hosting fee directly to LIV Golf.
With the LIV Golf tournament scheduled to take place in June or July 2026, the financial outlay by the state aims to draw considerable economic benefits to the city. Estimates indicate that the tournament could generate approximately $60 million in local spending, making this investment a potentially lucrative endeavor for New Orleans. The timing of the event is also significant, as it is positioned during a typically slow tourist season in the city, likely providing a much-needed boost during this period.
This development comes after initial reports about the potential LIV Golf tournament in New Orleans emerged in March 2025. LIV Golf, fully owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund—which boasts nearly $1 trillion in assets—was created to rival the traditional PGA Tour. However, it has faced criticism over its financial backing, with allegations of “sports washing” linked to Saudi Arabia’s controversial human rights record. Concerns have been raised regarding the actions of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, particularly in light of incidents such as the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Since its inauguration in 2022, LIV Golf has attracted numerous prestigious PGA Tour players with attractive financial incentives; however, it has struggled to achieve comparable viewership numbers. Recent discussions aimed at potentially merging LIV Golf with PGA Tour operations have faltered despite interests expressed by several parties, including former President Donald Trump, who is believed to have influence and a personal relationship with the Saudi Crown Prince.
As part of its strategy, Louisiana aims to secure a multi-year agreement with LIV Golf, with an emphasis on ensuring a successful inaugural tournament at City Park in 2026. The state is also allocating an additional $250,000 in public funding to support the Zurich Classic PGA Tour event, which has been held annually in New Orleans since 1938. Event officials from the Zurich Classic do not foresee significant competition from LIV Golf, emphasizing the long-standing tradition and established presence of their tournament.
As the plans for the LIV Golf tournament unfold, stakeholders in New Orleans and beyond are closely monitoring the impacts such an event could have on local tourism, economy, and community sentiment regarding the partnership with a Saudi-backed organization. The outcome of this substantial public investment, alongside the potential challenges posed by LIV Golf’s controversial origins, will likely shape discussions surrounding the intersection of sports, finance, and ethics in Louisiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- LA Illuminator
- NOLA
- WDSU
- GolfWeek
- AOL News
- Wikipedia: LIV Golf
- Google Search: LIV Golf
- Google Scholar: Saudi Arabia LIV Golf
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LIV Golf
- Google News: LIV Golf New Orleans
