LIV Golf to postpone Louisiana event scheduled for the end of June to avoid World Cup clash

LIV Golf is to postpone its ‌Louisiana event scheduled for June, a joint statement from the state's governor and secretary has confirmed.

The Saudi-funded ‌circuit has been working in coordination with Louisiana governor Jeff ​Landry's office and economic officials to find a new date for the tournament later in the year.

The tournament was initially scheduled for June ‌25-28 at Bayou Oaks at City Park, but concerns over the impact the FIFA World ‌Cup could have on attendance and viewership, as well as issues ​such as high temperatures and course conditions were believed to be factors in the decision.

The World Cup takes place in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

A joint statement was released by Landry and Louisiana economic development secretary Susan Bonnett Bourgeois on Tuesday, confirming the LIV tournament postponement.

"Secretary Bourgeois spoke with LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil on Friday and was informed that the organization seeks to postpone its June 2026 event in New Orleans to explore a potential event this fall.

"The state has already paid $3.2m (£2.4m) in accordance with the contract. LIV is expected to return all state incentive funds, with the exception of the $2m (£1.48m) already invested in upgrades for City Park, ensuring those improvements remain in place for the community.

"We appreciate LIV's good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year."

The postponment of the Louisiana tournament comes less than two weeks after ​LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil said the ⁠breakaway circuit's 2026 season would proceed as planned amid reports that the series is ⁠at risk of losing ​its funding.

The Louisiana event is the only ​LIV tournament on the schedule during the World Cup.

LIV Golf Virginia at Trump National Golf Club is scheduled to begin May 7 in Washington, DC.

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp says the American circuit is thinking about establishing new pathways to reinstate LIV Golf players, amid speculation over the breakaway league's future.

Rumours have swirled in the past weeks that LIV Golf could lose its financial backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), after the breakaway league was not mentioned in its four-year investment strategy.