• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025

NFL Approves Saints’ Succession Plan

  • The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans will stay in their city under a succession plan by owner Gayle Benson.
  • A team succession plan for the Saints was approved by the NFL.
Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson said she wants to keep the teams in New Orleans “forever” — and now has a plan to make that happen.

Benson intends to pass both teams off to one or more owners who will keep them in New Orleans and distribute the sale proceeds to New Orleans charities through a foundation. The arrangement has been approved by the National Football League. 

  • The Pelicans’ lease at the Smoothie King Center runs through 2024, and the Saints’ lease at the Caesars Superdome expires in 2025. 
  • The Superdome is in the midst of a $450 million renovation. Caesars won the rights to the stadium in a 20-year, $138 million deal in July.
  • The Saints are valued at $2.83 billion and the Pelicans at $1.35 billion, per Forbes, the 25th- and 29th-most valuable teams in their respective leagues. 

Benson inherited both teams when her husband Tom Benson passed away in 2018. He had initially planned to pass them on to his three children (from a previous marriage), but changed course in 2015, igniting a caustic legal dispute.

“I am a steward for this [organization],” Benson said. “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.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bad Bunny, U.S. Officials Trade Barbs Over Super Bowl Halftime Show

DHS Secretary Noem attacks the choice, while Bad Bunny responds on SNL.

Mark Sanchez Faces Three Charges After Indy Stabbing Incident 

Mark Sanchez is charged after being stabbed in Indianapolis altercation.

Fox Analyst Mark Sanchez Arrested After Violent Incident in Indy

Sanchez was “arrested for” three misdemeanors, but has not been charged.
Jon Gruden

Jon Gruden’s Case Against NFL Gets Closer to Open Court

The Nevada Supreme Court ruled unanimously against the NFL’s appeal. 

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Sep 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars forward Adam Erne (76) looks on during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center
exclusive

Dallas Stars Eyeing Possible Move to Plano in 2031

The team needs to figure out where they’ll play starting in 2031.
September 29, 2025

A’s Unveil Sacramento Jerseys As Vegas Development Advances

The club unveils an alternate “Sacramento” jersey as Las Vegas plans advance.
Chicago Bears stadium rendering
October 1, 2025

Bears Want $855M in Public Money for Suburban Stadium

The NFL team details an updated ask for public money.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Hart (20) breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Nabers was carted off the field with an injury after the play.
September 29, 2025

Malik Nabers’s Torn ACL Rekindles NFL’s Grass vs. Turf Debate

The Giants star tore his ACL on MetLife Stadium’s artificial surface.
September 25, 2025

NYCFC’s New $780M Queens Stadium Comes With Jab at Red Bulls

The MLS club progresses on developing its new stadium in Queens, N.Y.
Sep 23, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; A view of the Black Course sign during a practice round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at Bethpage Black.
September 23, 2025

Ryder Cup Has Led to $30K Rent Windfall for Some Long Islanders

Short-term rental revenue in the area will surpass $2 million.
September 23, 2025

Rays Expected Back at Tropicana Field in ’26 As Repairs Progress

Restoration remains on track at the hurricane-damaged ballpark.