Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson (born January 26, 1947) is an American businesswoman and current owner of the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and New Orleans Pelicans (NBA). She became the principal owner of both teams after the death of her husband, Tom Benson, in 2018.
As one of the few female owners in major professional sports, Benson plays a significant role in the business and operations of both franchises, continuing the legacy of the Benson name in New Orleans sports history.
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Gayle Benson Net Worth
Gayle Benson has a net worth of $2.8 billion. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in January 1947, she became the first woman to be a majority shareholder of voting stock in both an NBA and an NFL franchise. Tom Benson was her third husband, and she has three children, two of whom are deceased.
They met while collecting a donation for a church. She ran Gayle Bird Interiors Ltd. In 2017, they bought a majority share of Dixie Brewing Co. and donated millions to charities.
Early life
She was born Gayle Marie LaJaunie, daughter of Francis J. LaJaunie (January 5, 1924 – July 18, 2010) and Marie Folse LaJaunie (1924 – May 30, 2010).
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.
Career
Benson began her career in receptionist and secretarial roles while working in interior design. She later partnered with her second husband, Thomas “T-Bird” Bird, to buy and renovate businesses. After their divorce,
she continued running her interior decorating company, Gayle Bird Interiors, Ltd. In the first ten years of their partnership, Gayle and Thomas Bird renovated over one hundred properties, establishing a strong reputation in property renovation and interior design before Benson moved on to other ventures.
Personal life
Benson has been married three times. Her first marriage was to Nace Anthony Salomone on April 8, 1967, ending in divorce and annulment in 1972. Her second marriage was to Thomas “T-Bird” Bird on February 14, 1977, in South Pass, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, ending in divorce on June 25, 1987.
Her third marriage was to Tom Benson on October 29, 2004, in San Antonio, Texas. They met at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans and were married until his death in 2018. On October 22, 2014, they renewed their vows at St. Louis Cathedral.
What businesses does Gayle Benson own?
Gayle Benson owns the New Orleans Pelicans, the New Orleans Saints, GMB Racing Stables, automotive dealerships, the Benson Tower office building, Benson Capital Partners, a brewery, and various real estate ventures, including the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
Conclusion
Gayle Benson’s story is one of remarkable financial success and influential presence in the sports world. As a billionaire owner of major sports teams, her journey reflects a blend of personal determination and strategic business management.
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FAQs about Gayle Benson’s Net Worth
- What is Gayle Benson’s net worth? – Approximately $2.8 billion.
- How did Gayle Benson become wealthy? – Primarily through inheriting the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans from her late husband.
- Why is Gayle Benson famous? – For being the first woman with majority ownership of both an NBA and NFL team.
- What business ventures contribute to her wealth? – Ownership of sports teams and investments in various businesses, including the brewing industry.
- Is Gayle Benson currently married? – She is the widow of Tom Benson; he was her third husband.
