Gayle Benson Net Worth (Updated 2026).
Gayle Benson, born Gayle LaJaune Marie, began her professional journey in the realm of business, far from the sports arena she would later become synonymous with. She started her career in the late 1970s, working her way up from an entry-level position at a small oil and gas company in Louisiana. Her determination and sharp business acumen quickly propelled her up the corporate ladder, eventually leading her to co-found her own company, Benson Energy, in 1985.
Benson’s reputation as a shrewd and successful businesswoman caught the attention of Tom Benson, the then-owner of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. Seeing her potential, he offered her a position in his organization in the late 1990s, marking the beginning of her foray into the sports industry. Gayle Benson’s rise to fame, however, truly began in 2018 when she became the sole owner of both the Saints and the Pelicans following her husband’s passing, making her one of the most powerful women in professional sports.
**Gayle Benson’s Current Net Worth (2025)**
As of 2025, Gayle Benson’s current net worth is estimated to be around $3.5 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to her ownership of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, two prominent sports teams in the NFL and NBA respectively.
**Gayle Benson’s Career**
Gayle Benson’s career spans over four decades, predominantly in the automotive industry. She co-founded Benson Motors with her late husband, Tom Benson, in 1972. The company grew to become one of the largest automotive dealerships in the United States. In 2018, she took over ownership of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans after Tom’s passing, becoming the first female owner of an NFL team and the second of an NBA team.
**Gayle Benson’s Other Ventures**
Beyond her automotive and sports team ownership, Gayle Benson has ventured into various philanthropic and real estate endeavors. She established the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, focusing on education, health care, and community development. Additionally, she owns several properties, including the Poydras Plaza in New Orleans and a residence in Kenner, Louisiana.
**Gayle Benson’s Assets**
Gayle Benson’s assets are primarily tied to her ownership of the New Orleans Saints (valued at $2.5 billion) and the Pelicans ($1.3 billion), according to Forbes. She also owns Benson Motors, which includes multiple car dealerships and a heavy-duty truck center. Her real estate portfolio includes commercial and residential properties, with an estimated value of hundreds of millions.
**Gayle Benson’s Annual Income**
Gayle Benson’s annual income is largely derived from her ownership of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. The NFL and NBA teams generate significant revenue through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships. However, the exact figure of her annual income is not publicly disclosed and can vary year to year based on the teams’ performances and league-wide revenue sharing.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gayle Benson
Frequently Asked Questions: Gayle Benson Net Worth
1. What is Gayle Benson’s net worth?
Gayle Benson’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.3 billion.
2. How did Gayle Benson make her fortune?
Gayle Benson inherited her fortune from her late husband, Tom Benson, who built his wealth through his car dealerships and the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans sports teams.
3. What are the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans?
The New Orleans Saints are an American football team in the National Football League (NFL), and the New Orleans Pelicans are a basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Both teams are based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
4. When did Gayle Benson inherit her husband’s fortune?
Gayle Benson inherited her husband’s fortune in 2018 after his death.
5. What is Gayle Benson’s role with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans?
Gayle Benson is the owner and chairwoman of both the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. She took over the teams after her husband’s death.
6. How old is Gayle Benson?
Gayle Benson was born on May 17, 1947, making her 75 years old.
7. Where was Gayle Benson born?
Gayle Benson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
8. Did Gayle Benson have any children with her husband, Tom Benson?
Yes, Gayle Benson has one daughter with her late husband, Tom Benson, named Renee Benson.
9. What is Gayle Benson’s philanthropic work like?
Gayle Benson is known for her philanthropic work, having donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief in Louisiana.
10. What is the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation?
The Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Gayle and Tom Benson to support various charitable causes in Louisiana, with a focus on education, healthcare, and community development.
