Ownership and Control of the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are controlled by the Pope family through Saints Holdings LP, the entity that holds the NFL franchise. Gayle Benson serves as controlling owner and chair, having inherited the role after the passing of Tom Benson. The Benson Pope family trust structure centralizes voting control while maintaining a clear succession plan for the franchise. Forbes tracks the franchise as one of the most valuable in the NFL.
NFL ownership rules require the league office to approve any change in controlling interest or substantial transfer of equity. The Pope family maintains direct and indirect stakes through private holding entities that sit beneath the Saints Holdings umbrella. This structure is common among NFL clubs and helps manage estate, tax, and governance requirements across generations.
Valuation and Revenue Streams
Franchise Valuation
The New Orleans Saints are valued at roughly $5.6 billion according to the latest Forbes NFL franchise valuations, placing the team among the upper tier of the league. The valuation reflects stadium revenue, broadcast rights, and local sponsorship deals tied to the New Orleans market. Forbes Business Council notes that NFL team values have grown steadily despite economic headwinds.
Revenue Breakdown
Revenue streams include national media contracts, stadium events, and premium seating at Caesars Superdome. The Saints also generate income from suite leases, naming rights, and local partnerships. SEC filings from related holding entities can reveal details on debt levels and equity splits when public disclosures apply.
Financial Structure and Governance
Holding Company Setup
The Saints operate under a limited partnership model with the Pope family as general partners. This setup concentrates decision-making while limiting personal liability for family members. The structure also simplifies estate planning and allows the franchise to raise capital from limited partners without diluting voting control.
League Compliance
The NFL enforces strict financial rules, including revenue sharing and salary cap compliance. The Saints must file annual financial summaries and adhere to league-wide accounting standards. NFL Operations Manual outlines the governance requirements that apply to all member clubs, including the New Orleans Saints.