Owner of Saints and Pelicans Tom Benson passes away at age 90

The owner of the major sports franchises in the Crescent City passed away Thursday, March 15, at the age of 90. Tom Benson had been hospitalized for several weeks because of complications from flu-like symptoms.
Benson, the former owner of car dealerships, purchased the National Football League’s New Orleans Saints in 1985. Since then, the franchise has reached the postseason 11 times and has won its division six of those years. The team’s first playoff win came in 2000 against the then-division rival St. Louis Rams. During Benson’s tenure of owning the team, the Saints also brought a Superbowl trophy to a city that had gone through so much four years previously with Hurricane Katrina.
The 2005 hurricane almost brought the end of the Saints in New Orleans, but, because of Tom Benson’s efforts, the inside of the Superdome was rebuilt allowing his team to remain on Poydras Street. The stadium was ready for the team’s home opener a season later against the division rival Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football.
Six years later in 2012, Benson purchased the National Basketball Association’s New Orleans Hornets. This franchise, which had moved from Charlotte, N.C., was on the brink of leaving the city because of poor attendance and other financial issues at the time it was purchased from Benson. The new owner rebranded the franchise as the New Orleans Pelicans and named the Saints’ general manager Mickey Loomis to the same position.
Commissioner of the National Basketball Association Adam Silver released the following statement on the news of Benson’s passing: “The NBA family mourns the loss of New Orleans Pelicans’ owner Tom Benson. Big-hearted and gracious, Tom topped off a distinguished business and sports career by acquiring the Pelicans in 2012. During his tenure, he hosted two highly successful All Star Games, rebranded the franchise, and installed a first-class organization. He was a dear friend to me and so many others in the sports world, and the loss of his authentic and unique presence will leave an enormous void. We send our heartfelt condolences to Gayle, their family, the Pelicans and Saints, and his countless friends.”
Plans are for Benson’s wife Gayle to assume ownership of both professional sport franchises.