Tom Benson
Owner of the New Orleans Pelicans from 2012 until his death in 2018.
Thomas Milton Benson Jr. (July 12, 1927 – March 15, 2018) was an American businessman, philanthropist and sports franchise owner. He was the owner of several automobile dealerships before buying the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) in 1985 and the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2012.
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Thomas Milton Benson Jr.
- Born
- 12 July 1927
- Birthplace
- New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
- Died
- 15 March 2018
- Place of death
- Jefferson, Louisiana, U.S.
- Education
- St. Aloysius, 1944
- Occupation
- Businessman and sports franchise owner
- Years active
- 1956–2018 (62 years)
Lore & Background
Benson purchased the New Orleans Hornets, now known as the New Orleans Pelicans, from the NBA for $338 million on April 13, 2012. As a sports team owner, Benson had a Super Bowl victory to his credit, via the Saints winning Super Bowl XLIV (2009). As of October 2017, he had a net worth of US$2.8 billion according to Forbes.
Reader's Guide
Tom Benson's tenure as owner of the New Orleans Pelicans began in 2012, when he bought the team from the NBA. The NBA had taken over ownership of the franchise from George Shinn in 2010, but Benson's purchase occurred in 2012.
More in Stadium & Culture
Elsewhere in New Orleans Pelicans
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced