Rumors

A judge has denied a request by news organizations including The Associated Press to unseal court records involving the mental competency of billionaire Tom Benson when he rewrote his will to give his third wife ownership of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans sports franchises. The news outlets argued public interest in the 2015 case had been heightened by revelations this year that Saints executives engaged in a behind-the-scenes public relations campaign to help the Archdiocese of New Orleans contain the fallout from a clergy abuse crisis.

Newsday

“This case does not involve intensely private individuals who are dragged into the spotlight,” the AP argued, “but well-known mega-institutions that collect millions of dollars from local residents to support their activities.” Ties between local church leaders and the Saints include a close friendship between New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Gayle Benson, who inherited the Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans basketball team when her husband, Tom Benson, died in 2018. The archbishop was at Gayle Benson’s side as she walked in the funeral procession. Gayle Benson has given millions of dollars to Catholic institutions in the New Orleans area, and the archbishop is a regular guest of hers at games and charitable events for the church.

Associated Press

Christian Clark: Pelicans call David Stern a "catalyst in professional basketball returning to New Orleans in 2002" in a statement on his passing. "His commitment...was further shown when he guided the franchise through an ownership transition to Tom Benson in 2012."

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Tom Benson was the owner the NBA always wanted. “He wasn’t the only potential owner, but he was the perfect owner for the NBA and for New Orleans,” former NBA commissioner David Stern told The Advocate, just days after Benson’s death March 15.

The Advocate

Just as it appeared the NBA would depart New Orleans for the second time, Benson stepped in and provided a stable, local owner Stern could sell to the NBA’s Board of Governors. “There were a lot of people swirling around who desperately wanted to buy the team and move it,” Stern said. “But if there was an ideal or perfect candidate to own it, it was Tom Benson. He was always our target. We were fortunate he warmed to the idea.”

The Advocate

“Whether it’s (head of basketball operations) Mickey Loomis or (team president) Dennis Lauscha, we have a very good team in place there alongside Gayle,” Stern said. “Things are in place now. There’s a naming rights deal in place, and the sprucing up of the arena and the ticket sales and the sponsorships. It’s working. And there’s no reason it won’t continue to work.”

The Advocate

But a source who worked directly with Tom Benson during his purchase of the Pelicans said over the weekend that there was no doubt that Gayle Benson would keep both teams for the foreseeable future. “There may be some changes later, but nothing imminent or early,” the source said. And any notion of the Pelicans moving any time soon is tempered by the reality that the Pels, thanks to the league’s revenue sharing plan, don’t really have much financial incentive to sell.

NBA.com

The Pelicans’ lease at Smoothie King Center runs through 2024, though. And if Gayle Benson isn’t looking for a quick flip of the franchise, the likelihood of anything happening, at the very least, before then appears remote. And the NBA has gone to great lengths to ensure the stability and viability of a franchise in New Orleans since the then-Hornets moved there from Charlotte in 2002. The franchise’s history with the city and state has been one of deal making that has helped the franchise remain economically viable as it fights for audience share locally -- the Pelicans are currently 25th in the league in attendance, per ESPN.com, at 16,418 per game. The NFL’s Saints, which Benson also owned, are the clear top dog in town for fans’ affections, but they had a 35-year head start on the basketball team.

NBA.com

Anthony Puccio: #Nets hold a moment of silence for @New Orleans Pelicans & @Saints owner Tom Benson.

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Will Guillory: The Pelicans are wearing patches on their jerseys and warmups to honor Tom Benson tonight

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Will Guillory: I've been told they are

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DeMarcus Cousins: From day 1 you always made sure my family and I were good. I know you will be missed by many. Rest easy Mr. B 🙏🏿

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Scott Kushner: NBA Spokesman Mike Bass’ said this on the #Pelicans ownership situation: “As we mourn the loss of Tom Benson, we know the New Orleans Pelicans are on strong and stable footing as Gayle Benson, currently the team’s Alternate Governor, assumes control of the franchise.”

Twitter

Cheick Diallo: Sad day for the entire #Pelicans nation. R.I.P boss, all my prayers and thoughts for the Benson's family 🙏 #DoItBig #PelicansNation #RIPBoss

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