NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 22 (UPI) — New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson changed his plans for the ownership of the teams upon his passing.
His new will leaves both teams to his third wife, Gayle, rather than his daughter Renee Benson, and her children, Rita Benson LeBlanc, and Ryan LeBlanc. The original plan had Benson controlling 60 percent while the children controlled 20 percent each. Now, it will all go to his wife.
“I have had time to reflect and figure out if we have the ownership succession plan correct after I die,” he said in a statement. “And you know, my wife Gayle is my family too and a very important part of my life. You just know when the time is at hand to start to really think this through and make sure you have everything covered. It was documented that my daughter Renee, my grandson Ryan and of course my granddaughter Rita would have a large part of my estate, upon my death, including the two teams and other assets. However, this is a decision about the legacy of things that I have built in my lifetime — my family, including Renee, Rita and Ryan, just as they have been — will be very well taken care of after I die. But to finish my thought, this is based solely on doing what is right.”
His daughter and the children have also been cut out of all management roles,
The 87-year-old owner’s health had been declining over the last few years and he was often seen on a walker or in a wheelchair. He said his decision was to ensure the future of the teams and that it came over time and not overnight.
Benson said Gayle will keep both teams in New Orleans.
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