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Billionaire Profile
Gayle Benson
Global Rank
#322

Image: Joe-scott11 | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Gayle Benson

CEO, New Orleans Saints
New Orleans, Louisiana
Real-Time Net Worth
$11.2B
Estimated based on New Orleans Saints stock value as of September 10, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
79
Source
New Orleans Saints
Industry
sports
Citizenship
United States

Biography

Gayle Benson is an American businesswoman and philanthropist, best known as the owner of the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA). As the first woman to be the majority shareholder of voting stock in both an NFL and NBA franchise, she has made a significant impact on the sports world. Her estimated net worth, as of March 2026, is $7.9 billion. Her source of wealth stems from her ownership of the New Orleans Saints and other business ventures. Benson's career began in interior design before transitioning to sports franchise ownership after the death of her husband, Tom Benson, in 2018. She is also recognized for her extensive philanthropy through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation.

AI-Assisted Draft
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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$11.2B
2025$7.90B
2024$6.60B
2023$4.70B

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson was born on January 26, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She grew up in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans and attended Catholic schools, graduating from Martin Behrman High School in 1966.

Rise to Success

Benson began her career in secretarial and receptionist positions and in interior design. Following the death of her husband Tom Benson in 2018, she inherited ownership of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. She became the first woman to own both an NFL and an NBA franchise.

Key Business Strategies

As owner of the Saints and Pelicans, Benson has focused on community engagement and maintaining competitive team performance. She has invested in player development, fan experience, and regional economic participation.

Philanthropy

Benson is actively involved in philanthropy, primarily through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation. The foundation supports various causes, including education, healthcare, and youth development, with a focus on creating lasting impacts in the Gulf South region. She has donated to the construction of stadiums, cancer research, and schools.

Career Milestones

1966

High School Graduation

Graduated from Martin Behrman High School.

1970s

Interior Design Career

Benson worked in interior design and renovated numerous properties.

2004

Marriage to Tom Benson

Married Tom Benson.

2018

Owner of New Orleans Saints and Pelicans

Became the owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans after the death of her husband, Tom Benson.

2025

Named Most Powerful Woman in American Sports by Forbes

Recognized by Forbes for her influence in the sports industry.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Development

Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation

$7.4B

Supports community needs in the New Orleans metropolitan area, including education, healthcare, and economic support programs.

Education

Tulane University's Yulman Stadium

$7.5M

Donated to the construction of Tulane University's Yulman Stadium.

Healthcare

Cancer Care and Research

$20M

Donated to support cancer care and research.

Education

Jesuit High School

$5M

Donated to Jesuit High School.

Hunger Relief

Second Harvesters Food Bank

$3.5M

Donated to Second Harvesters Food Bank.

Youth Development

Children's of Mississippi

$1M

Donated to the campaign of Children's of Mississippi to build a playground at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Healthcare

The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children's Hospital

Significant Donation

Constructing a new standalone children's hospital.

Billionaires Connected to Gayle Benson

Peers in Sports

All Sports billionaires →

Richest in United States

All billionaires from United States →

Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gayle Benson's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Gayle Benson's estimated net worth is $11.199 billion, ranking #322 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Gayle Benson make their money?
Gayle Benson's wealth primarily comes from New Orleans Saints, most notably through New Orleans Saints.
Where is Gayle Benson from?
Gayle Benson is from United States.
How old is Gayle Benson?
Gayle Benson is 79 years old.

Sources & References

Citations for this profile have not been published yet. Net worth figures here are estimates and should not be treated as verified. See our methodology for how these estimates are produced, or report a correction.