Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson is a name that resonates deeply in the worlds of business, sports, and philanthropy. Known widely as the principal owner of the New Orleans Saints of the NFL and the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA, Benson has not only made history as a woman in the male-dominated world of professional sports ownership but also established herself as a dedicated community leader. Her journey is one marked by resilience, vision, and a strong sense of responsibility toward her community in the Gulf South region.
Early Life and Background
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Gayle Marie LaJaunie grew up in a working-class family with values rooted in hard work, determination, and community. Before her marriage to billionaire businessman Tom Benson, Gayle worked in design and interior decoration, showcasing her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. She cultivated a career that reflected both her artistic talents and her business acumen, qualities that would serve her well in her later life as one of the most prominent businesswomen in Louisiana.
Marriage to Tom Benson
Gayle married Tom Benson, a successful car dealership magnate and owner of the New Orleans Saints, in 2004. Their partnership was not only personal but also professional. She quickly became a trusted partner in managing the couple’s affairs, including philanthropy and business initiatives. Tom Benson was known for his love of New Orleans and its sports teams, and Gayle embraced this passion wholeheartedly.
Together, they contributed generously to causes in education, healthcare, and the arts. Their philanthropic reach was felt across the Gulf South, making them one of the region’s most generous and impactful couples.
Becoming Principal Owner of Two Major Franchises
In 2018, following Tom Benson’s passing, Gayle Benson assumed the role of principal owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. This made her not only one of the few women to own an NFL team but also the only woman at that time to own both an NFL and NBA franchise simultaneously.
This was a historic milestone. Women have long been underrepresented in professional sports ownership and executive leadership roles. Gayle Benson’s new role placed her at the forefront of a movement toward greater inclusivity and diversity in the sports industry. Her leadership style emphasized stability, loyalty, and community—values she had shared with her late husband.
Challenges and Leadership
Taking over two major sports franchises is no small feat, especially in a city like New Orleans where sports are deeply tied to community identity. The Saints are not just a football team; they are a symbol of resilience, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Likewise, the Pelicans represent a growing basketball culture in a city rich with talent and passion for the game.
Benson faced the immediate challenge of proving her ability to lead and sustain these franchises after Tom’s passing. Critics wondered whether she would sell the teams, but Benson quickly made it clear that she intended to honor her husband’s legacy by keeping the teams in New Orleans. This decision solidified her commitment to the community and reassured fans who feared losing their beloved teams.
Under her stewardship, the Saints have continued to remain competitive in the NFL, and the Pelicans are building toward a promising future with young talent. Benson’s leadership has been characterized by steady decision-making and long-term vision rather than short-term gains.
Philanthropic Impact
While sports ownership garners much of the public attention, Gayle Benson’s philanthropy has had an equally profound impact. She has directed significant funds toward healthcare, disaster relief, education, and the arts.
The Gayle and Tom Benson Foundation supports a wide array of causes, including hospitals, universities, and cultural institutions in the Gulf South. Following hurricanes and other natural disasters, Benson has been at the forefront of relief efforts, providing not only financial aid but also moral support to affected communities.
Education remains a cornerstone of her giving. She has donated to schools and universities, ensuring that young people in New Orleans and beyond have access to opportunities that foster growth and empowerment.
A Woman of Influence in Sports and Business
Gayle Benson’s ownership of the Saints and Pelicans has made her a powerful figure in the sports industry. She participates in NFL owners’ meetings and NBA ownership discussions, lending her voice to important decisions that shape professional sports.
Her presence as a female owner in two major leagues challenges stereotypes and opens doors for future women leaders in sports. She has become a role model for aspiring female executives, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists who seek to balance leadership, business success, and community service.
Personal Values and Community Connection
Despite her immense wealth and influence, Gayle Benson is known for her humility and strong connection to the people of New Orleans. She often emphasizes that her success is rooted in giving back and uplifting others. She is frequently seen at community events, engaging directly with fans and residents, reinforcing the idea that ownership comes with responsibility.
Her leadership is not about grandstanding but about consistency and loyalty. Benson’s values align with the resilient spirit of New Orleans—a city that has faced challenges yet continues to thrive through unity and perseverance.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Gayle Benson’s legacy is already taking shape as one of empowerment, philanthropy, and steadfast leadership. By keeping the Saints and Pelicans rooted in New Orleans, she ensures that future generations will enjoy the joy and pride these teams bring to the city.
Her philanthropic efforts continue to expand, with initiatives focused on health, education, and disaster relief—areas that remain vital to the Gulf South region. Furthermore, her role as a trailblazer for women in sports ownership is paving the way for greater gender representation in leadership roles across industries.
Conclusion
Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson is much more than the principal owner of two sports franchises. She is a businesswoman, philanthropist, and leader whose work continues to touch countless lives. From her early career in design to her historic role as a female sports franchise owner, her journey reflects resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her community.
