Gayle Benson Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Gayle Benson is an American businesswoman and sports-franchise owner, best known for leading the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans after inheriting majority ownership — making her one of the few women to helm both an NFL and NBA franchise.

Introduction

Gayle Benson (birthdate: January 26, 1947) is a prominent figure in American sports and business. As of recent reliable estimates, her net worth places her among the wealthiest individuals in the United States and marks her as a notable billionaire in the realm of sports ownership. Following the passing of her husband, she assumed full control of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans — a role that thrust her into the national spotlight. Her personal life and relationships have also drawn public interest. This article examines Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson’s financial empire, relationships, and life journey with a factual, story-driven perspective.

Below is a quick snapshot of key facts about her.

Rising from Humble Beginnings to Sports Mogul

Gayle Benson’s journey to prominence began long before she inherited her sports empire. Born Gayle Marie LaJaunie in New Orleans, she spent her formative years in the Algiers neighborhood, attending local Catholic schools before graduating from Martin Behrman High School in 1966. 

Her early professional life was modest: she worked as a receptionist and secretary and pursued interior design on the side. This foundation in design and business would later evolve into a successful venture. With her second husband, she bought and renovated numerous properties — reportedly transforming around 100 properties in their first decade together.

Yet the most dramatic turn in her life came much later. After marrying Tom Benson in 2004, she gradually transitioned into the world of high-stakes business — a shift that set the stage for her future role as a sports-franchise owner.

Defining moments in Gayle Benson’s journey include:

• Establishing and running a successful interior-design and renovation business through a decade of property renovations.

• Marrying Tom Benson and integrating into his expansive business empire.

• Inheriting majority control of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans following her husband’s death, becoming one of the first female owners with voting control in both NFL and NBA franchises.

• Expanding her influence over multiple business sectors beyond sports — including real estate, automotive dealerships, and corporate realty holdings. 

The Core Pillars of Gayle Benson’s Wealth

The essence of Gayle Benson’s wealth stems from a diversified portfolio built mostly around her ownership of major sports franchises and auxiliary business assets.

• NFL & NBA Franchises: Her most prominent assets are the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans — acquired in full control after inheriting them following Tom Benson’s death. 

• Real Estate & Corporate Holdings: Through ownership of entities like corporate-realty firms, office buildings (e.g., Benson Tower), and other property assets, she maintains substantial steady asset value. 

• Automotive Dealerships and Commercial Ventures: Her business interests reportedly include ownership of multiple automotive dealerships, collision centers, and related businesses across Louisiana and Mississippi. 

• Investments & Other Assets: While public data focuses heavily on sports and businesses, holdings likely include diversified investments — though detailed breakdowns are private.

Relationships & Private Life: A Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy

Gayle Benson’s personal life has seen several chapters — marriages, separations, and ultimately a long partnership that shaped her trajectory.

• Her first marriage was to Nace Anthony Salomone on April 8, 1967; the union ended in divorce and annulment in 1972. 

• Her second marriage was to Thomas “T-Bird” Bird on February 14, 1977; that marriage ended on June 25, 1987. 

• In 2004, she married Tom Benson. The two met at the historic St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans and remained together until his passing in 2018. 

Since her husband’s death, Gayle Benson has led the powerful sports enterprises they once shared — navigating legal challenges, public scrutiny, and the demands of high-profile ownership.

Key insights into Gayle Benson’s relationships and personal life:

• Her marriage to Tom Benson was pivotal — not only personally, but also in positioning her to inherit and lead one of the largest sports empires in the U.S.

• Previous marriages reflect a period of her life focused on building her own career in design and business before corporate fame. 

• Despite transitions and public scrutiny after inheriting the franchises, she has maintained a public image of dedication to the organizations, community, and legacy of her late husband. 

Beyond Business: Lifestyle, Passions & Philanthropy

Beyond her business ventures, Gayle Benson leads a life marked by philanthropy, community engagement, and a commitment to giving back.

• She and her late husband supported religious, educational, and health-related causes — notably donating to stadium constructions and cancer care initiatives. 

• Through their charitable trust, they contributed substantial gifts to institutions such as universities, hospitals, and food-bank organizations. 

• As a respected figure in New Orleans, she has used her influence to support civic causes and invest in the Gulf South region’s development. 

• Her involvement in diverse business sectors — from sports to real estate to automotive dealerships — speaks to a lifestyle rooted in both strategic entrepreneurship and regional impact.

Net Worth Breakdown & What Really Fuels Her Fortune

According to a recent valuation on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Gayle Benson’s net worth stands at approximately US$ 8.72 billion.  This figure reflects cumulative growth across sports franchises, real estate, business holdings, and other investments.

Her path to wealth — while heavily influenced by inheritance — is also supported by ongoing business operations, strategic asset management, and diversified holdings that extend beyond sports.

Public Perception, Legacy & Influence

In the realm of professional sports, few stories are as notable as that of a woman owning and leading both an NFL team and an NBA team. Gayle Benson not only occupies that rarefied space — she also commands respect for her stewardship, business acumen, and commitment to community.

Under her leadership, the teams have continued to invest in state-of-the-art facilities, youth outreach, community rebuilding, and civic engagement.  Her philanthropic legacy — including contributions to education, health, faith-based initiatives, and disaster relief — underscores a broader vision beyond profit.

To sports fans and the New Orleans community, she represents continuity, stability, and a living bridge between past and future. As a high-profile female owner, she also challenges traditional gender norms in a male-dominated industry.

Her influence extends beyond the sports world: through business, real estate, philanthropy, and civic involvement, Gayle Benson remains a defining figure in the Gulf South region’s social and economic landscape.

Conclusion

From her early days as Gayle LaJaunie in New Orleans to becoming one of America’s richest sports-franchise owners, Gayle Benson’s story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and legacy. Her journey — marked by hard work, strategic partnerships, and an unexpected inheritance — reveals how ambition and opportunity can intersect with profound impact.

With a net worth estimated at US$ 8.72 billion, ownership of major sports franchises, extensive business holdings, and a philanthropic spirit, Gayle Benson continues to shape not just teams, but communities. Her birthday on January 26 and her enduring leadership make her personal story inseparable from her public legacy. In navigating the complexities of wealth, influence, loss, and legacy, she stands as a rare figure: a woman who transformed personal adversity into lasting institutional and societal impact.