Gayle Benson took over as owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans following his passing in 2018. While there are no signs of ownership switching anytime soon, a succession plan has been laid out, per ESPN and The Times Picayune.
“I can't take it with me,” said Gayle Benson, who replaced her late husband Tom Benson as owner in 2018 and has no heirs of her own. “God gives us gifts, and this is a gift. I am a steward for this [organization]. And we help other people with it. My wish is to scatter all the good and gifts that God and Tom have given me to this city and community.”
The plan is outlined in a way with the goal for Gayle Benson to distribute the proceeds to charity and keep both franchise's in New Orleans. Again, this is looking way down the road.
“I want to make sure that we keep the teams here,” Benson added. “I want them to stay in New Orleans forever.”
So why are these discussions with Gayle Benson being had now?
One reason the succession plan has become relevant today is because the Saints are involved in long-term lease-extension talks with the state of Louisiana and the Caesars Superdome, the lease for which runs through 2025.
The ultimate goal is to keep both the Saints and the Pelicans in New Orleans for the long haul and with this plan, that will almost assuredly happening whenever it is that Gayle Benson and the succession plan is put into place.
Follow Us
Subscribe