Who owns the New Orleans Saints?
Tom Benson was determined to be mentally competent and was allowed to change his estate and leave wife ownership of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. Benson became the owner of both the Saints and Pelicans following the death of her husband.
Who is New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson?
Skip to main content. Gayle Benson provides leadership for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans as Owner, succeeding her husband, Tom Benson, who passed away on March 15, 2018, after serving as the Owner of the Pelicans franchise since 2012 and the Saints since 1985.
Who is the owner of the San Antonio Saints?
^ "Ten Years Later, Saints Owners Tom and Gayle Benson say "I Do" Again". Fox Sports. October 23, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014. ^ Board, Express-News Editorial (March 20, 2018). "Benson made his mark in San Antonio". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved July 25, 2019. ^ "Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium". University of the Incarnate Word Athletics.
Why did Rodney Henry Sue the New Orleans Saints?
[23] [24] [25] Rodney Henry, former personal assistant to Tom Benson, filed a lawsuit accusing the New Orleans Saints and Gayle Benson of racism and violations of federal labor laws. The lawsuit claimed that Gayle Benson had treated him with disrespect because of his race.
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Who owns the Saints now?
Gayle BensonGayle BensonBenson in 2018BornGayle Marie LaJaunie January 26, 1947 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.OccupationBusinesswoman and sports franchise ownerKnown forPrincipal owner, New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans1 more row
Who owns the New Orleans Saints franchise?
Gayle BensonSince 1975, the team plays its home games at Caesars Superdome after utilizing Tulane Stadium during its first eight seasons....New Orleans SaintsOwner(s)Gayle BensonPresidentDennis LauschaGeneral managerMickey LoomisHead coachDennis Allen24 more rows
How long have the Bensons owned the Saints?
Tom BensonAlma materLoyola University New Orleans, 1948OccupationBusinessman and sports franchise ownerYears active1985–2018 (as New Orleans Saints owner) 2012–2018 (as New Orleans Pelicans owner)Spouse(s)Shirley Landry (deceased) Grace Marie Trudeau (d. 2003) Gayle Benson (née LaJaunie) ( m. 2004)5 more rows
How much does the Saints franchise cost?
In 2022, the franchise value amounted to about 3.58 billion U.S. dollars....New Orleans Saints franchise value from 2002 to 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)CharacteristicFranchise value in million U.S. dollars20202,47520192,30020182,07510 more rows•Sep 6, 2022
Is Drew Brees part owner of Jimmy John's?
According to Franchise Times Brees is the owner of 5 Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches' franchises and plans to own 20 more. Jimmy Johns was founded in 1983 by a 19 year old with a dream and hustle.
Who is the most expensive NFL team?
the Dallas CowboysThe latest ranking reported that the Dallas Cowboys is the most valuable NFL franchise after the 2021 NFL season. The fastest growing NFL franchise is the Buffalo Bills, with a 112.5% increase in valuation since the 2017 NFL season ($1.6 to $3.4 billion).
Who will inherit Gayle Benson's money?
Here's the gist of it: Benson, 74, has no heirs and intends for the Saints to be sold upon her passing to a buyer who is contractually-bound to keep the team in New Orleans, and for the proceeds to be donated to charities throughout the city.
How much would it cost to buy the Saints?
Back in 1985, Tom Benson bought the Saints for $70 million. Today, the Black and Gold owned by widow, Gayle, are worth $3.26 billion according to Sportico.
Is Gayle Benson the sole owner of the Saints?
Biography. Gayle Benson provides leadership for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. She succeeds her late husband, Tom Benson, who passed away on March 15, 2018, after serving as Owner of the Saints since 1985 and the Pelicans since 2012.
What is the cheapest NFL franchise?
The Cincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals were deemed the least-valuable NFL franchise at US$2.84 billion, which put them narrow behind the Detroit Lions (US$2.86 billion).
Which sports franchise is most expensive?
#1. $8 billion. DALLAS COWBOYS. ... #2. $6.4 billion. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. ... #3. $6.2 billion. LOS ANGELES RAMS. ... #4. $6 billion. NEW YORK YANKEES. ... #4. $6 billion. NEW YORK GIANTS. ... #10. $5.5 billion. LOS ANGELES LAKERS. ... #15. $5 billion. BARCELONA. ... #19. $4.6 billion. MIAMI DOLPHINS.More items...•
How much does an NFL franchise make per game?
Although an NFL team typically makes well over $1 million in ticket sales per game, the money is distributed between different groups. For example, some of the money is distributed to players, athletes, musicians, stadium administration, coaching staff, and taxes in addition to the teams profit.
What company does Drew Brees own?
Founded in 2004, Stretch Zone has 156 locations in 29 states. Brees, who retired as the New Orleans Saints quarterback in 2021 and worked in NBC's broadcast booth during the 2021-2022 season, has partnered with his former Purdue football teammate Jason Loerzel in his Stretch Zone investing.
Who owns Saints and Sinners New Orleans?
Channing Tatum'sThe perfect place for "FUN DINING" not fine dining. Channing Tatum's restaurant/bar, Saints & Sinners, is THE place to have a sinfully good time.
Who owns each NFL franchise?
List of NFL franchise ownersFranchisePrincipal owner(s)Pittsburgh SteelersArt Rooney II (60%) & family (12%)San Francisco 49ersDenise DeBartolo York & Jed YorkSeattle SeahawksJody Allen, trusteeTampa Bay BuccaneersAvram Glazer, Bryan Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Edward Glazer, Joel Glazer, & Kevin Glazer28 more rows
Who is the richest franchise owner in the NFL?
The Denver Broncos officially have new owners....Wealthiest NFL ownersRob Walton, Denver Broncos, $59.8 billion.Dave Tepper, Carolina Panthers, $16.7 billion.Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys, $11.6 billion.Stan Kroenke, Los Angeles Rams, $10.7 billion.
Who owns the Saints?
Learn about New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson, including how she made her wealth, her education and more.
When did Gayle buy the Pelicans?
He purchased the New Orleans Hornets in 2012 for $338 million, later renaming them the Pelicans. In the Owner’s Words: “Please rest assured,” Gayle said in a statement after Tom’s death, “I will own and operate this franchise until my death and do so with the same drive and focus towards success that my husband displayed throughout his life. ….
Who owns the Saints and Pelicans?
Benson became the owner of both the Saints and Pelicans following the death of her husband Tom.
How much of the Pelicans does Tom Benson own?
Sayre, Katherine (June 16, 2015). "Tom Benson family feud: Saints, Pelicans ownership struggle focus of hearing". nola.com. The Times-Picayune. Retrieved June 16, 2015. Benson owns 40 percent of the Saints, while his heirs' trusts own 60 percent. The trusts own 95 percent of the Pelicans, with Benson owning only 5 percent -- though his portion constitutes all the Pelicans' voting shares.
Why did Benson remove his heirs?
mysanantonio.com. San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved June 17, 2016. Earlier, court documents indicated that Benson said in a deposition that he removed his heirs because they tried to kill him. In the documents from the deposition, Benson said about his heirs: "You know, by picking on my wife and when I wasn't feeling very good, they were very hostile." *** The heirs' trust funds hold 95 percent of the Pelicans and 60 percent of the Saints.
How much did Tom Benson donate to Second Harvest?
In March 2019, the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Trust donated $3.5 million to Second Harvest. In September 2019, the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Trust donated $1 million to the campaign of Children's of Mississippi to build a playground at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Who donated $7.5 million to Tulane University?
In November 2012, Gayle Benson and her husband, Tom, donated $7.5 million towards the construction of Tulane University 's Yulman Stadium. The playing surface is known as Benson Field.
Who was the first woman to be the majority shareholder of the voting stock in both an NFL and NBA franchise?
Benson is the first woman to be the majority shareholder of the voting stock in both an NFL and NBA franchise.
When did Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium open?
While married, Gayle and Tom Benson funded the construction of the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, which opened on campus on September 1, 2008.
Who created the Saints?
First the brainchild of local sports entrepreneur Dave Dixon, who later built the Louisiana Superdome and founded the USFL, the Saints were actually secretly born in a backroom deal brought about by U.S. Congressman Hale Boggs, U.S. Senator Russell Long, and NFL Commissioner Ryan Wilson. The NFL needed congressional approval of the proposed AFL–NFL merger. Dixon and a local civic group had been seeking an NFL franchise for over five years and had hosted record crowds for NFL exhibition games. To seal the merger, Rozelle arrived in New Orleans within a week, and announced on November 1, 1966, that the NFL officially had awarded the city of New Orleans an NFL franchise. The team was named for " When the Saints Go Marching In ", the classic jazz standard associated with New Orleans. When the deal was reached a week earlier, Dixon strongly suggested to Rozelle that the announcement be delayed until November 1, to coincide with All Saints' Day. Dixon even cleared the name with New Orleans' Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, "thought it would be a good idea," according to Dixon. "He had an idea the team was going to need all the help it could get."
Why are the Saints called the Saints?
They are named after the jazz music heritage of New Orleans and the spiritual hymn " When the Saints Go Marching In " . The Saints were among the NFL's least successful franchises in their first several decades, where they went 20 consecutive seasons without a winning record or qualifying for the playoffs.
What teams did the Saints play in 2013?
The Saints finished their 2013 preseason 3–1, and won their first five regular-season games against the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears. The Saints under Sean Peyton had been winless in Chicago's Soldier Field and had not won in the Windy City since 2000. The Saints fared well against Chicago, Arizona and Miami, winning 26–18, 31–7 and 38–17 respectively, but needed a 4th down shutdown and a last-minute field goal to escape Atlanta and Tampa Bay. The Saints went on a 5–0 win streak, but were stopped short by the New England Patriots in Week 6, losing 30–27, with a touchdown pass by Tom Brady in the last 5 seconds of the game. New Orleans would go undefeated at home for the second straight season with Sean Payton as the head coach, but finish just 3–5 on the road. Key losses included a 7–34 blowout against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Seattle which cost them homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, a 16–27 upset against the St. Louis Rams in St. Louis which led to the Saints needing to win their next game against Carolina to control their own playoff destiny, and a heartbreaking 13–17 defeat to their division rival the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte who went on to win the NFC South. The Saints finished the season with an 11–5 record and earned a wild card berth as the sixth seed in the NFC. On January 4, 2014, the Saints recorded their first road playoff win in franchise history over the Philadelphia Eagles 26–24. On January 11, the Saints lost to the first seed, the Seattle Seahawks, once again in Seattle 15–23. The weather conditions were very poor, which gave the offense much difficulty. Despite the conditions, the defense of the Saints played well, holding Seattle to just 23 over the 34 points allowed against Seattle during the regular season.
What year did the Saints play in the Super Bowl?
The Saints' 2010 season began in the Superdome as the defending Super Bowl champions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14–9, in a rematch of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. It was played on Thursday, September 9, 2010, and televised on NBC, making it the first time the Saints have opened the NFL's season at home. On Sunday, August 8, 2010, NBC announced the televised opening festivities of the evening would begin with Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews Band. On December 27, 2010, with a 17–14 win against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, the Saints clinched a playoff appearance (wild card). This marked the first time a team in the NFC South had made back-to-back playoff appearances since the division was formed in 2002. The Saints would face the Seattle Seahawks for the wild-card opener at Qwest Field. The Seahawks were the first NFL team to capture their division with a sub-.500 regular-season record (7–9). Drew Brees completed a postseason-record 39 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns. Despite throwing 60 passes and hindered by a lack of depth at running back, last year's Super Bowl MVP was not intercepted and rallied the Saints within 34–30 in the fourth quarter. In the end, his efforts were negated by a defense that could not get enough stops and a late touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch breaking over a half-dozen tackles with 3:22 left which helped the Seahawks defeat the Saints 41–36.
What happened to the Saints in 2005?
Tiger Stadium was one of the venues that hosted the Saints in 2005. Due to the damage Hurricane Katrina caused to the Superdome and the New Orleans area, the Saints' scheduled 2005 home opener against the New York Giants was moved to Giants Stadium.
When did Drew Brees sign with the Saints?
On January 17, 2006, the Saints hired Sean Payton as their new head coach and, on March 14, signed former San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees to a six-year, $60 million deal.
When did the NFL give New Orleans a franchise?
To seal the merger, Rozelle arrived in New Orleans within a week, and announced on November 1, 1966, that the NFL officially had awarded the city of New Orleans an NFL franchise.
Overview
Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson (born January 26, 1947) is an American billionaire, businesswoman and sports franchise owner.
Following the death of her husband, Tom Benson, she became principal owner of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) and the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2018.
Early life
She was born Gayle Marie LaJaunie, the daughter of Francis J. LaJaunie (January 5, 1924 – July 18, 2010), and Marie Folse LaJaunie (1924 – May 30, 2010).
She grew up in Algiers, New Orleans, and attended St. Joseph, St. Anthony and Holy Name of Mary schools. She graduated from Martin Behrman High School in 1966.
Career
Benson began her career in receptionist and secretarial positions while doing interior design before buying and renovating businesses with her second husband, Thomas "T-Bird" Bird. Following their divorce, Benson continued an interior decorating business called Gayle Bird Interiors, Ltd.
In the first ten years, Gayle and her then-husband Thomas Bird, renovated one hundred properties.
Thoroughbred Racing
G M B Racing is the thoroughbred racing stable of Gayle Benson, who owned 2016 Kentucky Derby starters Mo Tom and Tom's Ready and owned 2018 contender Lone Sailor. Tom's Ready was a fine sprinter in mid-2016, winning both the Grade 2 Woody Stephens Stakes at Belmont Park and the Ack Ack Stakes at Churchill Downs.
Personal life
She has been married three times. Her first marriage was to Nace Anthony Salomone, on April 8, 1967, which ended in a divorce and annulment in 1972. Her second marriage was to Thomas "T-Bird" Bird, on February 14, 1977, in South Pass, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, which ended in a divorce on June 25, 1987.
Gayle's third marriage was to Tom Benson, who she was married to until his death in 2018. The…
Philanthropy
While married, Gayle and Tom Benson funded the construction of the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, which opened on campus on September 1, 2008.
In January 2012, Benson and her husband were awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for their service to Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI.
References Continued
1. ^ White, Jaquetta; Vargas, Ramon Antonio (February 3, 2015). "Tom Benson ups ante in proposal to take Saints, Pelicans out of estranged heirs' trust". theadvocate.com. The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved February 3, 2015. Benson's lawyers also said for the first time this week that the entirety of the teams do not reside in those trusts. Attorney Paul Cordes said the various trusts contain 95 percent of the shares of Benson Basketball, the holding company for the Pelica…
Overview
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Since 1975, the team plays its home games at Caesars Superdome after utilizing Tulane Stadium during its first eight seasons. Founded by John W. Mecom Jr., David Di…
Franchise history
Local sports entrepreneur Dave Dixon and a local civic group had been seeking an NFL franchise for over five years and had hosted record crowds for NFL exhibition games. To seal the NFL-AFL merger, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle arrived in New Orleans within a week, and announced on November 1, 1966, that the NFL officially had awarded the city of New Orleans an expansion franchise. …
Logos and uniforms
Black, along with old gold and white, has always been one of the team colors, but it was not the first choice of original majority owner John W. Mecom Jr. His preference was for Mecom blue, a medium shade which was used by all of his other investments. The NFL office, however, informed him that his proposed combination too closely resembled that worn by the San Diego Chargers. Altho…
Stadium
Caesars Superdome is the Saints' home stadium. It has a listed seating capacity of 76,468 (expanded) or 73,208 (not expanded). The Saints own a perfect record there against the Houston Texans (2–0) and Jacksonville Jaguars (3–0), but a winless one against the Baltimore Ravens (0–2).
Rivals
The Saints' oldest rival are the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons lead the rivalry series 53–51. The two clubs joined the NFL within a year of each other as expansion teams and have played each other twice a season since the Saints joined the league in 1967.
The Saints have a developing rivalry with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been part of the NFC South with the Saints since 2002, and the Saints lead the overall series, 38–21.
Statistics
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
• Passing yards: 510 Drew Brees (November 19, 2006, vs Cincinnati Bengals)
• Passing yards per attempt: 16.1 Drew Brees (November 30, 2009, vs New England Patriots)
• Passing touchdowns: 7 Drew Brees (November 1, 2015, vs New York Giants) T – NFL record
Notable players
Until the selection of Rickey Jackson in 2010, there had been no players in the Hall of Fame who earned their credentials primarily as Saints; the others were chosen for their work with previous teams. Jim Finks’ tenure as Saints general manager was a significant factor in his selection. When offensive tackle Willie Roaf was selected in 2012, he became the second Saint to earn his Hall of Fame credentials mostly while in New Orleans. Roaf was a member of the NFL's All-Decade tea…
Joe Gemelli Fleur-De-Lis Award
The Joe Gemelli Fleur-De-Lis Award is given yearly to a person who has contributed to the betterment of the New Orleans Saints organization. The award is named for Joe Gemelli, a New Orleans clothing store owner and an active supporter of sports in the city, who was known as the team's biggest fan.
• 1989: Al Hirt