Citing the same COVID-19 eligibility provisions that granted college football players an extra year of competition, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has formally applied for a waiver to extend her time in office for one additional year despite initially saying she would not stay.
According to sources familiar with the request, the mayor believes her term was significantly impacted by pandemic-related disruptions and should therefore qualify as a “COVID year,” similar to the relief granted by the NCAA to athletes whose development was affected during the 2020 season.
Supporters of the waiver argue that travel interruptions, remote operations, and reduced public interaction limited the mayor’s ability to complete a full slate of leadership reps. They note that several planned initiatives were either delayed, reworked, or conducted under non-standard conditions.
City officials confirmed the waiver request is under review but declined to offer a timeline, stating only that multiple committees have been formed to evaluate eligibility, precedent, and whether municipal terms are governed by the same logic as Division I athletics.
Insiders say the mayor remains optimistic and is proceeding as though a decision could come at any time.
If the waiver is denied, sources indicate Cantrell is prepared to enter the transfer portal, with MSY emerging as a likely destination, where she is expected to explore opportunities in countries that do not currently offer extradition studies.
Officials emphasized that no travel plans have been finalized and described the situation as fluid, adding that the mayor is committed to keeping all options open while awaiting a ruling.
A decision is expected soon, subject to appeals and other ongoing matters.