![Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson dead at 90](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2018/03/GettyImages-902308866.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson dead at 90
Earlier today, word was spread that Saints and Pelican owner Tom Benson has passed away. Benson was 90 years old and was hospitalized recently for the flu. With his wife Gayle at his side, Benson passed away at Ochsner Medical Center in Jefferson, LA.
Starting his career as a car salesman, and turning it into an empire shortly after, Benson purchased the New Orleans Saints in the mid 80's for a mere $70 million bucks. In 2010, he purchased the New Orleans Hornets for $338 million and began to seek a name change for the team. In 2014, an heir battle began on who would get the teams and his fortunes. This battle lead Benson to disown 3 heirs and also a giant legal battle.
A New Orleans native, Benson attended Loyola University after serving in the US Navy.
More From Gator 99.5
![Five Things That Scare Every Cajun In Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2024/03/attachment-Gumbo-and-Tomatoes.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Orleans Saints GM Has Puzzling Comments During End Of Season Press Conference](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2024/01/attachment-Mickey-Loomis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Louisiana Meteorologist Hilariously Trolls Dallas Cowboy Fans After Playoff Loss](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2024/01/attachment-GettyImages-1933610263.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Here Are The New Orleans Saints 2024 Opponents](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2021/04/GettyImages-1180833565.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Saints And Pelicans Donate $500k To Hurricane Laura Relief Efforts](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2020/05/GettyImages-1199041037.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Is The New Orleans Pelicans Mascot The Killer In ‘Happy Death Day’?](http://townsquare.media/site/29/files/2019/02/9FF6D1AC-4472-4926-9571-8558D4F049A6.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Tom Benson To Build Dixie Beer Brewery In New Orleans](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/07/NOLA.com-via-YouTube.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Orleans To Make Super Bowl 2019 Pitch Today](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2016/02/super-bowl-501.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Governor Edwards Asked To Look Into Saints/Pelicans Subsidies](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/01/149871480_8.jpg?w=980&q=75)