Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson is an American businesswoman and the principal owner of the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA). Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1947, her early career was defined by creativity and business acumen: she started as a receptionist and secretary while pursuing interior design.

Benson's entrepreneurial journey began with her second husband, Thomas Bird, renovating one hundred properties in the first ten years of their marriage. She continued her interior decorating business after their divorce. Her life pivoted significantly with her third marriage to the automotive and sports magnate Tom Benson (d. 2018) in 2004, leading her to inherit his colossal fortune and the governance of his sports teams.

Gayle Benson became the owner of both the Saints and Pelicans following the death of her husband, Tom Benson, in 2018. Although her husband retained all voting shares until his death (preventing a family challenge from his previous heirs), Gayle inherited the principal ownership of the franchises. She is a recognized business professional and philanthropist with strong ties to the local community.

Under her leadership, the New Orleans Saints posted five winning campaigns and three consecutive NFC South division titles (2018–2020). She has been instrumental in securing New Orleans' bid to host Super Bowl LIX and committed $180 million to the $560 million transformation of the Caesars Superdome. She serves on high-level league committees (NFL Audit, NBA Labor Relations) and is the owner of G M B Racing (thoroughbred racing). Her wealth is tied to the colossal appreciation of the NFL and NBA franchises she controls.

Gayle Benson is a massive philanthropist, dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the Gulf South region. Her structural contributions include the $180 million commitment to the Caesars Superdome transformation and her role in securing Super Bowl LIX for New Orleans, a major economic asset. She is a founding member of the NBA Foundation Board of Directors.

Her personal philanthropy focuses on education, healthcare (cancer research), and religious causes (receiving the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice from Pope Benedict XVI). Her commitment to the city is structural, ensuring the long-term viability of its key sports and entertainment assets.

Gayle Benson maintains the elegant, professional style of a Southern matriarch and sports franchise owner. Her attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. Her aesthetic is one of stability and confident authority, befitting her status as a major U.S. sports figure.

Residing in New Orleans, Louisiana, her luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from her multi-billion dollar fortune. Her life is dedicated to the stewardship of her husband's legacy and her commitment to the civic prosperity of the Gulf South region.