Gayle Benson

$7.94 B

Ranked #443 in World

About Gayle Benson

Gayle Benson, born January 26, 1947, in New Orleans, has cemented her status as a distinguished American billionaire and a pioneering figure in sports franchise ownership. As the principal owner of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans since 2018, she stands out as the first female majority shareholder of voting stock in both an NFL and NBA team. Forging her path with an early career in interior design, she ambitiously transformed her expertise into a lucrative business, renovating numerous properties. Benson's acquisition of the Saints and Pelicans followed her husband Tom Benson's passing, a shift in ownership that led to legal family disputes but ultimately was upheld. Additionally, she has ventured into brewing with a majority share in Dixie Brewing Company and is active in thoroughbred racing with G M B Racing. A dedicated philanthropist, Benson has significantly contributed to sports, education, health, and religious causes, including multimillion-dollar donations to the construction of stadiums and cancer research. Her renowned philanthropic efforts have earned her esteemed acknowledgments, such as being awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope Benedict XVI.

Born

January 26, 1947 in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

Age

79 years

Source Of Wealth

New Orleans Saints

Industries

Sports

Citizenship

United States

Residence

New Orleans, Louisiana

Education

High School Graduate, High School

Spouse

Nace Solomone (Married: 1967; Divorced: 1972), Thomas Bird (Married: 1977; Divorced: 1987), Tom Benson (Married: 2004; Divorced: 2018)

Gayle Marie LaJaunie was born on January 26, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She grew up in Algiers, New Orleans, and attended St. Joseph, St. Anthony, and Holy Name of Mary schools. She graduated from Martin Behrman High School in 1966.

Gayle Benson: Family

Gayle Benson has been married three times. Her first marriage was to Nace Anthony Salomone from 1967 to 1972. Her second marriage was to Thomas "T-Bird" Bird from 1977 to 1987. Her third marriage was to Tom Benson from 2004 until his death in 2018. She met Tom Benson at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

Gayle Benson: Career Highlights

Gayle Benson started her career as a receptionist and secretary while also pursuing interior design. She later bought and renovated businesses with her second husband, Thomas "T-Bird" Bird. After their divorce, she continued running an interior decorating business called Gayle Bird Interiors, Ltd. She renovated 100 properties with her then-husband Thomas Bird in the first ten years.

Gayle Benson: Companies

Gayle Benson is the principal owner of the New Orleans Saints of the NFL and the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA since 2018. She also owns G M B Racing, a thoroughbred racing stable. Additionally, she and her late husband, Tom Benson, finalized an agreement to buy a majority share of Dixie Brewing Co. in July 2017.

Gayle Benson: Major Achievements

Gayle Benson became the first woman to be the majority shareholder of the voting stock in both an NFL and NBA franchise when she inherited the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans following the death of her husband, Tom Benson. She is one of ten female NFL owners, including Sheila Ford Hamp, Kim Pegula, Carol Davis, Denise DeBartolo York, Amy Adams Strunk, Virginia Halas McCaskey, Janice McNair, Jody Allen, and Dee Haslam.

Gayle Benson: Awards & Achievements

Gayle Benson has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the community and her work in various fields.

In 2012, she was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for service to the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI. She has also been honored by the University of the Incarnate Word, Tulane University, Jesuit High School, Second Harvest, Children's of Mississippi, and Ochsner Health System for her philanthropic efforts.

Gayle Benson: Personal Life & Legacy

Gayle Benson is known for her philanthropic work and contributions to various charitable organizations. She has funded the construction of the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio and donated significant amounts to Tulane University, Jesuit High School, Second Harvest, Children's of Mississippi, and Ochsner Health System. She is also involved in thoroughbred racing and owns G M B Racing, a successful racing stable.

Gayle Benson: Trivia

Gayle Benson is a devout Catholic and has been actively involved in various Catholic organizations and initiatives. She is also a supporter of the arts and has been involved in several cultural projects in New Orleans.

Wealth History

Timeline

January 26, 1947

Gayle Marie LaJaunie is born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

1966

Graduates from Martin Behrman High School.

1967-1972

First marriage to Nace Anthony Salomone.

1977-1987

Second marriage to Thomas "T-Bird" Bird.

2004-2018

Third marriage to Tom Benson.

2012

Awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for service to the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI.

2015

Donated $20 million for cancer care and research.

2017

Tom and Gayle Benson finalize an agreement to buy a majority share of Dixie Brewing Co.

2018

Becomes owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans following the death of her husband, Tom Benson.

2018

Announced the opening of a distribution center at the old MacFrugal's Distribution Center in New Orleans East.

2019

Donated $5 million to Jesuit High School and $3.5 million to Second Harvest.

2019

Donated $1 million to Children's of Mississippi for a playground at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Gayle Benson : FAQs

What is Gayle Benson's current net worth?

Gayle Benson's current net worth is $7.94 billion.

What is Gayle Benson's current global rank among billionaires?

Gayle Benson holds the 443rd position globally among billionaires.

What is Gayle Benson's current ranking within the United States?

Gayle Benson holds the 176th position in United States.

What was the change in Gayle Benson's net worth compared to the previous year?

Gayle Benson's net worth decreased by 0 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when her net worth was 7.94 billion dollars.

What are Gayle Benson's main sources of wealth?

Gayle Benson's main source of income comes from New Orleans Saints.

In which industry does Gayle Benson primarily operate?

Gayle Benson is primarily involved in the Sports industry.

What is Gayle Benson educational background?

Gayle Benson holds a High School Graduate from High School.

How old is Gayle Benson?

Gayle Benson is 79 years old.

Who is Gayle Benson and what sports franchises does she own?

Gayle Benson is an American billionaire, businesswoman, and the principal owner of the New Orleans Saints of the NFL and the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA since 2018, becoming the first woman to be the majority shareholder of the voting stock in both an NFL and NBA franchise.

Can you outline Gayle Benson's career and business achievements?

Gayle Benson began her career as a receptionist and secretary, branching out into interior design. Alongside her second husband, Thomas 'T-Bird' Bird, she bought, renovated, and managed 100 properties in their first decade together. After their divorce, she continued her work through her interior decorating business, Gayle Bird Interiors, Ltd.

How did Gayle Benson become owner of the Saints and Pelicans, and what lawsuit followed?

Gayle Benson inherited the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans following the death of her third husband, Tom Benson. A change in Tom Benson's will, favoring Gayle Benson over his initial heirs, led to lawsuits from his family. However, Tom Benson was determined mentally competent and the will change was allowed.

What philanthropic efforts has Gayle Benson been involved in?

Gayle Benson is known for her philanthropy, including funding for the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium at the University of the Incarnate Word, donating $7.5 million towards Tulane University's Yulman Stadium, giving $20 million for cancer care and research in 2015, and making substantial donations to Jesuit High School, Second Harvest, and Children's of Mississippi, among other charitable causes.