Quick Facts: New Orleans Saints
| Current Owner | Gayle Benson |
| Ownership Type | Private |
| Owner Since | 2018 |
| Predecessor | Tom Benson (husband, owner 1985–2018) |
| Championship | Super Bowl XLIV (2010) |
| Also Owns | New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) |
| Notable | First woman to be primary owner of both an NFL and NBA team |
Who Owns the New Orleans Saints?
Gayle Benson has owned the New Orleans Saints since March 2018, taking over immediately following the death of her husband, longtime owner Tom Benson.
Tom Benson bought the Saints in 1985, saving the franchise from a potential relocation, and later added the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans (then the Hornets) to his ownership portfolio in 2012.
Before Tom Benson’s death, the family went through a bitter, highly public succession dispute — his daughter Renee Benson and grandchildren Rita and Ryan LeBlanc sued over control of the teams, arguing Tom was being unduly influenced by Gayle, his third wife. Louisiana courts ultimately sided with Tom and Gayle Benson, confirming her position as the intended successor.
Since taking over, Gayle Benson has become one of the most prominent female owners in major American sports, holding primary ownership of both an NFL and NBA franchise simultaneously — a distinction very few owners of either gender can claim.
New Orleans Saints Ownership History
| Year | Event | Owner / Key Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Franchise founded | John Mecom Jr. | NFL expansion team |
| 1985 | Tom Benson buys the team | Tom Benson | Prevented a potential relocation |
| 2010 | First Super Bowl championship | Tom Benson | Post-Katrina title run |
| 2015–2018 | Family succession dispute | Tom & Gayle Benson vs. Renee Benson | Courts side with Tom and Gayle |
| 2018–Present | Gayle Benson becomes owner | Gayle Benson | Following Tom Benson’s death |
About Gayle Benson
Gayle Benson married Tom Benson in 2004 and became increasingly involved in the family’s sports and business operations in the years before his death, positioning her to take over both the Saints and Pelicans with continuity rather than disruption.
Since becoming owner, she’s continued the Benson family’s investment in New Orleans sports infrastructure while maintaining a lower public profile than her late husband, who was known for colorful, highly visible ownership behavior including a signature post-win dance.
Key Ownership Highlights
- The succession battle was genuinely contentious and public: Tom Benson’s daughter and grandchildren sued over control before his death, with Louisiana courts ultimately confirming Gayle as the rightful successor.
- Gayle Benson owns teams in two major leagues simultaneously: the NFL’s Saints and the NBA’s Pelicans, a rare dual-league ownership position for any individual owner.
- Tom Benson’s 1985 purchase saved the team from relocation: the Saints had been considered a relocation risk before his ownership stabilized the franchise in New Orleans.
- The 2010 Super Bowl win came five years after Hurricane Katrina: a championship widely seen as a symbolic moment for the city’s post-storm recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the New Orleans Saints?
Gayle Benson, who has owned the team since March 2018.
Who owned the Saints before Gayle Benson?
Her husband, Tom Benson, who bought the team in 1985.
Was there a dispute over Saints ownership?
Yes, Tom Benson’s daughter and grandchildren sued over control before his death; Louisiana courts sided with Tom and Gayle Benson.
Does Gayle Benson own other sports teams?
Yes, the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans.
Have the Saints won a Super Bowl?
Yes, Super Bowl XLIV in 2010, under Tom Benson’s ownership.
