New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson named most powerful woman in American sports by Forbes magazine

 

New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson named most powerful woman in American sports by Forbes magazine

 

 

In a landmark recognition, Gayle Benson — owner of the New Orleans Saints and governor of the New Orleans Pelicans — has been ranked No. 1 on Forbes’ newly-released list of America’s Most Powerful Women in Sports. Her selection underscores an exceptional convergence of sports franchise ownership, business acumen and civic influence. 

A historic first

In 2018, Benson made history when she became the only woman to simultaneously own both an NFL and an NBA franchise — taking the helm of the Saints and the Pelicans following the passing of her husband, Tom Benson. 

With a combined valuation for both teams now estimated at $8.35 billion, and Benson’s own net worth pegged at $7.9 billion, the scale of her influence is clear.  Forbes highlighted her expanding global footprint, including the Saints’ marketing rights in France and a partnership with the Paris Musketeers of Europe’s ELF (European League of Football). 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is quoted as saying: “In business, philanthropy and football, Gayle is a leader, always advocating for the Saints and her native city.” 

Why this matters

Benson’s recognition by Forbes arrives at a time when sports ownership and leadership are increasingly being scrutinised for diversity. Her topping of the list signals not just personal achievement, but a broader shift in how power is distributed in major-league sports.

For the Saints and Pelicans, her leadership has meant more than just financial growth. Under her guidance:

• The Saints have increased their international outreach, aligning with global ambitions for the NFL.  
• The Pelicans have strengthened their basketball operations and community ties in New Orleans, reflecting Benson’s local commitment.  
• Her philanthropy and civic investments have deepened her footprint as a business leader with social conscience — part of what Forbes credits in assessing “power.”  

The wider list and company she keeps

While Benson is No. 1, the Forbes list also features other top-tier figures in sports, including:

• Amy Howe (CEO of FanDuel) at No. 2.  
• Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever guard) at No. 4.  
• Serena Williams at No. 11.  

By placing these names together, the list encompasses owners, executives and athletes — signalling that “power in sports” is multi-dimensional, spanning ownership, business leadership and athletic performance.

What this means for New Orleans and beyond

For New Orleans, this recognition shines a spotlight on the city’s sporting and business ecosystem. Having Benson at the helm of two major franchises amplifies the local economic and philanthropic possibilities. It signals to the NFL and NBA that New Orleans remains a serious player on both national and international sports stages.

Moreover, for aspiring female leaders in sports business, Benson’s ascendancy offers a high-visibility example of what is possible. It challenges long-standing norms in franchise ownership and executive leadership, opening doors for more women to assume top roles.

What’s next

While the accolade is significant, the work continues. Key questions moving forward include:

• How will Benson leverage her global partnerships (e.g., in Europe) to further expand the brands of the Saints and Pelicans?
• What philanthropic and community initiatives will she champion in New Orleans, given her growing profile?
• How will her recognition influence the ownership and governance structures of major-league sports franchises, especially regarding gender and diversity?

In short, Gayle Benson’s No. 1 ranking on Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Sports list isn’t merely symbolic — it reflects a concrete blend of ownership, business impact and community engagement. Her trajectory is one to watch, both for what it means in New Orleans and for the broader landscape of women in sports leadership.