Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson, his family and key team execs in recent years "have prepared a succession plan to secure the futures of both franchises beyond his tenure," according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. Saints and Pelicans VP/Communications Greg Bensel said that Benson's daughter Renee Benson and her two children, Rita Benson LeBlanc and Ryan LeBlanc, "would assume ownership of the franchises." It is "unclear if the Benson family members will equally split ownership or if they will retain majority ownership of the franchises." Rita Benson LeBlanc, who serves as co-Owner & Vice Chair for both franchises, "has worked for the Saints in various capacities for years." She also "will represent the Saints and Pelicans at their respective league meetings." It is "unknown what role, if any, Benson's wife, Gayle, will have with the club." Gayle Benson "has become more influential in recent years, playing key roles in the rebranding of the Pelicans and in the Superdome's naming rights deal with Mercedes-Benz." She is not a member of either team's BOD. Saints and Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha and Exec VP Mickey Loomis "currently preside over meetings of the clubs' executive management team, and they'll continue to be the main decision-makers for both franchises going forward." Bensel: "The plan is structured for a smooth transition of ownership rights with the ultimate goal of little, if any, impact on the operations of the teams. As both franchises are locked into long-term leases with the state (of Louisiana) there is absolutely no desire, threat or discussion related to the relocation of the teams" (NOLA.com, 3/29).
