C
Clarity News Hub

What happens to Saints after Gayle Benson dies?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 21, 2026

The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans will be sold rather than handed down when owner Gayle Benson dies, and all proceeds will go to local charities. "I've already listed who gets what and where it goes and where I want it to go," Benson told FOX 8′s Lee Zurik.

Who gets Saints when Gayle Benson dies?

Saints president Dennis Lauscha will serve as the executor of her estate (and, if he is no longer around, for team executives Mickey Loomis and Greg Bensel to see to it).

Will Saints be sold?

After his widow passes, the team will be sold. Gayle Benson, 74, has revealed her succession plan to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. It consists of the Saints being sold, with the money given to local charities.

Who inherited the Benson fortune?

Benson, who died at 90 on Thursday after a weeks-long battle with the flu, made arrangements before his death to ensure Gayle Benson, his third wife, would take ownership of the Saints and Pelicans. The NFL and NBA both approved the ownership transfer.

Will the Saints stay in New Orleans?

The Saints current lease in New Orleans expires in 2025. The State of Louisiana and Saints continue to work on a new long-term deal that could lock the team through 2035, and potentially longer, something the Saints say they're pushing for to ensure the team remains in New Orleans.

18 related questions found

Who owns the Saints now?

Saints owner Gayle Benson on Sean Payton's future: 'I don't think any of us know' Not even New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson knows whether coach Sean Payton plans to return in 2022. "We don't know. You know, who knows?" Benson told Sean Fazende of Fox 8 NOLA on Monday.

How much are the New Orlean Saints worth?

In 2021, the franchise value amounted to about 2.83 billion U.S. dollars. Since 1985, the New Orleans Saints have been owned by Gayle Benson, wife of the late Thomas Benson, who bought the franchise for 70.2 million U.S. dollars in 1985.

When did Tom Benson buy the Saints?

May 31, 1985

The New Orleans Saints are sold to businessman Tom Benson, who owned several car dealerships in New Orleans and San Antonio. From 1985 until his death in 2018, Tom Benson would be the sole owner of the New Orleans Saints.

How old is Gayle Benson owner of the Saints?

How old is Gayle Benson owner of the Saints? Gayle Benson is 74 years old in 2021.

Is Gayle Benson selling the New Orleans Saints?

Gayle Benson, who owns the NFL's New Orleans Saints and NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, announced Wednesday the franchises will be sold following her death with the proceeds being donated to charities around the city.

What happened to Rita Benson?

Former New Orleans Saints and Pelicans executive and co-owner Rita Benson LeBlanc, right, was fired by her grandfather Tom Benson, center, and relieved of all duties with the clubs in December 2014. Benson plans to leave controlling interest of the franchises to his wife, Gayle Benson, left.

How rich is the Saints owner?

As a sports team owner, Benson had a Super Bowl victory to his credit, via the Saints winning Super Bowl XLIV (2009). As of October 2017, he had a net worth of US$2.8 billion according to Forbes.

What is Tom Brady net worth?

Brady leaves the field with seven Lombardi trophies, five Super Bowl MVP awards and a net worth of $250 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Is Gayle Benson a billionaire?

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has climbed the ranks in the Forbes annual Billionaire list. Benson ranks 891 out of more than 2,000 billionaires in this year's list. Her net worth is now valued at $3.4 billion. Benson increased her wealth by $100 million since the 2020 Forbes list.

How much did Benson pay for the Saints?

He would have been 94 today. Today would have been Tom Benson's 94th Birthday. He was the epitome of New Orleans, being born and raised in the Crescent City. He purchased the Saints in 1985 at a cost of $70 million, which proved to be a major bargain.

When did the New Orleans Saints became a team?

The Saints began play in 1967 as an expansion franchise. Like most expansion teams, the Saints struggled in their first year in the NFL, losing 11 of their 14 games. However, the futility of the team's efforts was particularly pronounced, as it took 20 years for them to post their first winning season.

Which is the richest NFL team?

Value: $6.5 Billion

The Dallas Cowboys are the richest NFL team.

Who is the richest NFL player?

As of 2022, Roger Staubach's net worth is $600 million, making him the richest NFL player in the world.

Who is Gale Benson?

Gale Ann Benson (née Plugge; 4 November 1944 – 2 January 1972) was a British model, socialite and daughter of Conservative MP Leonard Plugge. She was buried alive and murdered in Trinidad and Tobago by activist Michael X and members of his Black Power group.

How long did Tom Benson own the Saints?

Tom Benson & family. Tom Benson, who started out working at a car dealership and ended up owning pro sports teams, died at age 90 on March 15, 2018. He owned the NFL's New Orleans Saints and NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, which he purchased in 1985 and 2012, respectively.