How LIV Golf inked multi-million dollar New Orleans deal

Key Points:

• In 2024, Louisiana negotiated a lucrative deal to host a LIV Golf tournament in New Orleans, initially offering $22.2 million over five years, later scaled down to a $7.7 million incentive package including golf course upgrades and marketing support.
• The tournament was backed by LIV Golf’s Saudi Arabian owners, sparking controversy due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, and faced criticism over the high public expenditure with uncertain return on investment.
• LIV Golf’s funding was pulled last month, leading to the tournament’s cancellation, though the league expressed interest in returning under a different contract; the state plans to recoup $1 million already paid.
• The Major Events Incentive Fund, which financed much of the deal, saw a surge in spending in 2026, with LIV Golf receiving the largest single allocation, amid ongoing legislative shifts over fund oversight between the lieutenant governor’s office and Louisiana Economic Development.
• Officials highlighted benefits from the deal, such as City Park improvements, but some state leaders and advocates questioned the wisdom of the investment given the tournament’s collapse and moral concerns about Saudi involvement.