LIV Golf is considering delaying its late June tournament in Louisiana because the concurrent FIFA World Cup could reduce attendance and broadcast audiences, sources familiar with the matter said. Organizers are also weighing extreme heat and course conditions as part of their decision.
The Saudi-backed circuit has been coordinating with Governor Jeff Landry’s office and state economic officials to identify an alternative date, with September or October under discussion, according to people with knowledge of LIV’s planning. The tournament is currently scheduled for June 25-28 at Bayou Oaks at City Park. The World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.
LIV Golf, Governor Landry and Louisiana Economic Development are expected to release a joint statement on the topic on Tuesday, the sources added.
The potential postponement comes shortly after LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil said the circuit’s 2026 season would go ahead as planned, despite media reports that funding could be in question. There has been speculation that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia might scale back support after LIV was not referenced in the PIF’s published four-year investment plan.
The Louisiana stop is the only LIV event currently slated to overlap with the World Cup. Earlier in the calendar, LIV Golf Virginia at Trump National Golf Club was scheduled to start May 7 in the Washington, DC area.
Separately, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has indicated the American tour is exploring options for potentially reinstating players who left for LIV, as uncertainty about the breakaway league’s future persists. Sky Sports Golf analyst Paul McGinley warned that any LIV players seeking to return to the PGA Tour or the DP World Tour would likely face substantial hurdles. He noted that roster spots on those tours have been filled during LIV’s four-year run, meaning there may be fewer openings and tougher competition to regain status. McGinley added that negotiations would be complex and could involve sanctions such as suspensions or fines, so a return would not be straightforward.