Gayle Benson’s rise to the top of the sports ownership world is often described as quiet, but there is nothing small about the empire she oversees today. As the owner of both the New Orleans Saints of the NFL and the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA, Benson sits at the intersection of wealth, influence, and cultural impact in American sports. With an estimated net worth of $7.9 billion in 2026, she is not only one of the richest women in professional sports, but also one of the most powerful figures in the modern NFL.
Yet Benson’s story is far more complex than a simple inheritance narrative. While she did assume control of the franchises following the death of her husband, longtime owner Tom Benson, in 2018, her stewardship since then has reshaped how she is viewed by fans, league executives, and financial analysts alike. What began as a transfer of ownership has evolved into a carefully managed sports dynasty rooted in New Orleans and expanding in value with every passing season.
This is the story of how Gayle Benson built—and continues to grow—a $7.9 billion sports empire.
From San Antonio Roots to the Center of the NFL
Born Gayle LaJaunie in San Antonio, Texas, in 1947, Gayle Benson did not grow up envisioning herself as one of the most influential owners in professional sports. Her early life was defined by modest beginnings, business curiosity, and a strong sense of discipline. She attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she studied business, gaining an education that would later prove invaluable.
Before entering the world of professional sports, Benson built her career in the interior design industry. She owned and operated several successful design firms, including Gayle Bird Interiors, developing a reputation for sharp business instincts and attention to detail. These early ventures gave her firsthand experience in leadership, budgeting, and client management—skills that would later translate seamlessly into sports ownership.
Her path changed dramatically when she met Tom Benson, a self-made billionaire who had already established himself as one of the NFL’s most influential owners. Tom Benson purchased the New Orleans Saints in 1985, rescuing the franchise from years of instability and potential relocation. Over time, the Saints became synonymous with the Benson family name.
Gayle and Tom married in 2004, and from that point forward, she became increasingly involved in the Saints organization and broader business operations. Though she often remained out of the spotlight, insiders noted her growing influence behind the scenes.
Inheriting an Empire—and the Pressure That Came With It
When Tom Benson passed away in March 2018, Gayle Benson inherited full ownership of the Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans, along with the Benson family’s extensive business holdings. The transition was not without controversy. Legal challenges from family members questioned Tom Benson’s succession plans, placing Gayle Benson under intense scrutiny during her earliest days as principal owner.
Despite the pressure, she emerged firmly in control.
By the end of 2018, Gayle Benson was officially recognized as the sole owner of both franchises, marking a historic moment in professional sports. She became one of the few women to own multiple major league teams and the only woman at the time to control both an NFL and NBA franchise outright.
For many observers, the question was not whether she deserved ownership—it was whether she could maintain and grow the franchises in a competitive, billion-dollar sports landscape.
The answer, over time, has been clear.
The Saints: The Cornerstone of a Billion-Dollar Fortune
The New Orleans Saints remain the crown jewel of Gayle Benson’s sports empire. Valued at approximately $3.6 billion in 2025–2026, the franchise accounts for nearly half of her total net worth.
Under her leadership, the Saints have continued to operate as one of the NFL’s most stable and respected organizations. While the post–Drew Brees era brought new challenges, the franchise remained competitive, disciplined, and financially strong.
Benson’s approach to ownership has emphasized continuity and trust. Rather than dramatically reshaping the organization, she retained experienced executives and allowed football operations to function with minimal interference. This hands-off yet attentive leadership style has earned her respect within NFL circles.
Financially, the Saints benefit from several key factors:
Strong revenue-sharing structures within the NFL
High national television ratings
A fiercely loyal fan base in New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast
Consistent brand recognition built during the team’s Super Bowl-winning era
The Saints’ valuation has continued to rise in line with league-wide growth, stadium revenue, and expanding media deals. Even during seasons without championship contention, the franchise’s long-term financial outlook remains among the healthiest in the league.
The Pelicans: A Growing NBA Asset
While the Saints are the backbone of Benson’s wealth, the New Orleans Pelicans, valued at approximately $1.5 billion, represent one of the most intriguing components of her portfolio.
NBA franchise values have surged in recent years due to global expansion, digital media growth, and international fan engagement. Under Benson’s ownership, the Pelicans have benefited from improved organizational stability and investment in player development.
Though the team has faced its share of challenges on the court, Benson has remained committed to keeping the Pelicans in New Orleans—a city often overlooked in NBA markets. Her insistence on long-term commitment has resonated with fans and league officials alike.
The Pelicans’ value has steadily increased as the NBA’s global footprint expands, positioning the franchise as a key growth asset within Benson’s overall fortune.
A Net Worth Built on Concentrated Power
Unlike many NFL owners whose wealth is diversified across industries such as technology, energy, or manufacturing, Gayle Benson’s net worth is highly concentrated in professional sports ownership.
This concentration gives her a unique form of influence. While some owners treat teams as secondary investments, Benson’s wealth is deeply tied to the success and valuation of her franchises. That alignment has shaped her decision-making, reinforcing a long-term perspective rather than short-term financial maneuvers.
As of 2026, her estimated $7.9 billion net worth places her among the richest NFL owners, alongside figures such as:
David Tepper (Carolina Panthers)
Shahid Khan (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Steve Ballmer (NBA’s Clippers, with crossover influence in sports ownership discussions)
What sets Benson apart is not just her wealth, but the way it is anchored almost entirely in the sports world.
Leadership Style: Quiet, Strategic, and Community-Focused
Gayle Benson is not a flashy owner. She rarely dominates headlines, avoids unnecessary controversy, and prefers to let results speak for themselves. This understated style has become a defining feature of her leadership.
Behind the scenes, however, Benson is known for being deeply engaged in organizational culture. She has emphasized values such as accountability, professionalism, and respect, setting clear expectations for executives across both franchises.
Her influence extends beyond business metrics. Benson has consistently prioritized New Orleans as more than just a market—it is the heart of her empire.
Commitment to New Orleans and Community Impact
One of the most defining aspects of Gayle Benson’s ownership has been her unwavering commitment to New Orleans. In a sports era defined by relocation threats and stadium disputes, Benson has repeatedly reaffirmed that both the Saints and Pelicans belong in the city.
Through the Benson Charitable Foundation, she has invested millions into:
Education initiatives
Disaster relief efforts
Healthcare and cancer research
Youth sports programs
Her philanthropic presence has strengthened the bond between the franchises and the community, reinforcing the idea that the teams are not merely businesses, but cultural institutions.
This community-centered approach has enhanced the franchises’ reputations and, indirectly, their long-term financial value.
Recognition as One of the Most Powerful Women in Sports
Gayle Benson’s influence has not gone unnoticed. She has been repeatedly recognized by Forbes as one of the most powerful women in sports, a distinction that reflects both her financial standing and her leadership impact.
In a league dominated by male ownership, Benson’s role carries symbolic weight. She is a rare example of a woman overseeing multiple major professional franchises without being a figurehead or minority stakeholder.
Her presence has helped reshape perceptions of leadership in sports, demonstrating that authority does not require volume—only consistency and results.
Comparing Benson to Other NFL Owners
When comparing Gayle Benson to other NFL owners, her story stands out in several ways:
Inheritance transformed into growth: While she inherited the franchises, their rising valuations under her stewardship underscore active, effective management.
Dual-league ownership: Managing both an NFL and NBA team amplifies her influence beyond a single league.
Market loyalty: Her refusal to leverage relocation threats has earned goodwill rarely seen in modern sports ownership.
In contrast to owners whose primary wealth lies elsewhere, Benson’s identity is inseparable from the Saints and Pelicans. Their success is her success.
The Future of the Benson Sports Dynasty
Looking ahead, Gayle Benson’s wealth is likely to continue growing as franchise valuations rise across both the NFL and NBA. Media rights deals, international expansion, and evolving fan engagement models all point toward long-term appreciation in team values.
Questions about succession will eventually emerge, but for now, Benson remains firmly in control, guiding her empire with the same steady hand that has defined her tenure since 2018.
Her story is no longer simply about inheritance—it is about stewardship, influence, and sustained growth.
Conclusion: More Than a Billionaire Owner
Gayle Benson’s $7.9 billion net worth tells only part of the story. Beyond the numbers lies a legacy of stability, community commitment, and quiet authority in an industry often driven by ego and spectacle.
As the owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, she has proven that leadership does not require constant attention—only vision and discipline. In doing so, she has cemented her place not just among the wealthiest figures in sports, but among the most respected.
The billionaire behind the Saints is no longer a footnote in someone else’s story. Gayle Benson has built a dynasty of her own—and its influence shows no signs of slowing.
