Hopefully Tom Benson can live a few more decades, but he’s preparing the Saints and Pelicans to transition smoothly in case of his passing.
Benson has restructured the ownership transfer and control of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. The transfer of ownership will not occur until the time of Mr. Benson’s death, but his wife, Gayle Benson will assume control of the Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, in addition to other Benson properties.
“This is something I have thought about and prayed about for a while now,” Benson said. “Over the past 60 years, I have been fortunate enough to build a number of successful businesses not only in New Orleans but also in San Antonio. Throughout those years, I have included my family as well as a strong management team around me to run these businesses, whether they be banks, automobile dealerships, television stations or professional sports franchises. I want to continue this model of proven success. This is about the legacy of these two teams and everything we have done for the good of the city of New Orleans and our region –my primary goal is to give the organization the foundation to live on after me for many, many years.”
Benson added, “I agree that this is somewhat of a change in what has been formally declared but this is best for our teams and our community.”
The Saints and Pelicans will remain under the same management structure, with Gayle Benson serving as owner; that has seen both teams prosper and grow.