Who Was Tom Benson
Tom Benson was the controlling owner of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. He built a diversified portfolio spanning professional sports, real estate, and automotive dealerships. His holding company, Benson Sports Entertainment, managed the Saints and Pelicans under a single umbrella. He remained the principal owner until his death in March 2018. His net worth was estimated by Forbes at over $1 billion during his later years.
Benson acquired the Saints in 1985 and later purchased the Pelicans in 2012. He consolidated control through personal trusts and family entities. The Saints became a central part of New Orleans identity under his leadership. The franchise reached Super Bowl XLIV in February 2010 and won the championship. Benson's ownership structure kept the teams under private control rather than public equity markets.
Tom Benson Death and Immediate Succession
Tom Benson died on March 15, 2018, at the age of 90. The cause of death was reported as natural causes by the Saints organization. His death triggered immediate succession planning across the Saints and Pelicans ownership structure. The teams remained under the control of the Benson family trust rather than being sold on the open market. Succession documents outlined a clear path for his widow and adopted daughter to maintain operational control.
Following his death, Rita Benson LeBlanc and other family members assumed key governance roles. The Saints and Pelicans continued operations without interruption or league-mandated ownership changes. The NFL and NBA approved the transition under existing family trust agreements. No forced sale or external buyer was involved in the post-death ownership transfer. The teams retained their Super Bowl and playoff histories as part of the Benson franchise legacy.
Tom Benson Net Worth and Business Holdings
Tom Benson net worth was driven by automotive dealership profits, real estate, and sports franchise valuations. He built a dealership network across Louisiana and Texas before diversifying into sports and entertainment. The New Orleans Saints were valued at over $3 billion by Forbes in the years before his death. The Pelicans added further sports-asset value to the overall Benson portfolio.
His estate planning focused on keeping the Saints and Pelicans within the family trust structure. The Benson Sports Entertainment entity remained the primary operating vehicle for both franchises. No public stock offerings or external investment rounds were used to fund the teams. The succession plan emphasized continuity of management and long-term franchise stability. This approach preserved the asset base and avoided disruptive ownership transitions.