BREAKING: Gayle Benson Shocks the Sports World by Letting Go of One of Her Iconic Franchises
In a move that has stunned the sports world, Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Pelicans and the New Orleans Saints, has announced that she is selling the Pelicans to a new ownership group. The decision to part ways with the NBA franchise marks a major shift in the ownership landscape of professional sports and has left many fans and analysts in disbelief.
The sale, confirmed late on March 13, 2025, comes as a shock to those who closely followed Benson’s stewardship of the Pelicans. The franchise, which has been in her family’s hands since 2012, has long been viewed as a cornerstone of Benson’s sports empire, which also includes the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. However, despite this long-standing connection to the city of New Orleans, Benson stated that now was the right time for her to transition the franchise to new ownership.
Reason for Sale: Personal and Strategic Considerations
While Gayle Benson did not provide an exhaustive explanation for the decision, sources close to the matter suggest that several factors contributed to the sale. One of the primary reasons appears to be her focus on managing the New Orleans Saints, which has always been the centerpiece of her sports portfolio. The complexity of overseeing both the Saints and Pelicans — two teams in different leagues with vastly different operational needs — was proving to be increasingly challenging.
Benson, who inherited the franchises following the death of her husband, Tom Benson, in 2018, has managed the Pelicans during a tumultuous period for the franchise. While the Saints have remained competitive year after year, the Pelicans have struggled to find consistent success, often battling with roster changes, injuries, and the challenges of building a winning team in a smaller market.
Despite investing heavily in the team and a significant rebuild under general manager David Griffin, the Pelicans have yet to capture sustained success in the NBA. The team’s current roster, led by young stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, shows promise, but injuries and inconsistent play have hampered their playoff aspirations.
New Ownership and Future Outlook for the Pelicans
The sale has already sparked speculation about the future direction of the team under new ownership. While details of the buyer or buyer group have not been officially disclosed, it is expected that the new owners will have a significant interest in bringing the team to a higher competitive level and further integrating the Pelicans into the fabric of New Orleans’ culture.
As part of the deal, sources say the new ownership group has promised to keep the Pelicans in New Orleans, a key point of concern for local fans who have seen franchises like the Hornets and Supersonics relocate over the years. The new owners are reportedly planning a series of initiatives to revitalize the franchise’s presence, including investing in new facilities, player development, and community outreach.
Another critical element of the sale is how the new owners will approach team-building and coaching. With the Pelicans still in the process of re-establishing themselves as a playoff contender, many will be watching closely to see whether the new ownership brings in fresh leadership in the front office or on the coaching staff. Speculation about a potential change in leadership is already swirling, as some have pointed to the franchise’s failure to capitalize on its talented young core as a reason for a new direction.
A Changing Sports Landscape in New Orleans
This announcement has major implications not just for the Pelicans, but also for the broader sports landscape in New Orleans. The city, which has long been a passionate supporter of its teams, will have to adjust to the reality of a new era for the Pelicans. Gayle Benson’s decision to sell the team marks the end of an era for New Orleans basketball fans, many of whom had hoped that her stewardship would result in a championship contender.
Benson’s decision to focus on the Saints after a long and emotional period of managing both teams may have been the most pragmatic decision for her at this stage in her life. But for Pelicans fans, it marks a bittersweet farewell to a beloved owner who gave the franchise stability during a challenging time.
As the dust settles, the sports world will eagerly await the next steps for both Gayle Benson and the Pelicans. With new ownership taking the reins, it remains to be seen how this change will shape the future of the franchise and the city’s relationship with professional basketball. One thing is certain: the Pelicans’ future will be watched closely by fans, analysts, and competitors alike.