While intending to keep the term "owner," Benson sees herself as a "caretaker" to her two pro franchisesNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
Gayle Benson has "no immediate plans to shed her title" as owner of the Saints and the Pelicans, "despite vocal criticisms in the NBA around the term," according to Nathan Brown of the New Orleans ADVOCATE. Benson in a statement said, "As with any word, phrase or expression, interpretations can be perceived differently. ... I truly believe daily actions speak very loudly, and it is my sincere hope that the players and staff know how much I care for them and their families." She added, "I have said over and over I don’t see myself so much as an owner but more of a caretaker to the incredible assets that I have been so fortunate to lead" (New Orleans ADVOCATE, 6/26). Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban said the debate over the terminology is "not that big a deal" because "if you run a company, own a company, start a company … you decide" what to call yourself. In N.Y., Mollie Walker noted Cuban is listed in the team’s '18-19 media guide as the "owner." Other teams, "including the Warriors and Rockets, also use 'owner' in their media guides" (N.Y. POST, 6/25). NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a recent interview with TMZ said, "We moved away from that term years ago at the league. We call our team owners 'governor' of the team and 'alternate governor.'" He said that he has "seen mixed reactions from players regarding the use of the term, which has received criticism over the years for having racial connotations" (USATODAY.com, 6/24).
