New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson is set to be featured on NFL Network’s upcoming episode of NFL 360: Women in Sports. Reporter Jane Slater will join Melissa Stark, host of NFL 360, in interviewing Mrs. Benson set to air on Tuesday, March 8th at 8:00 p.m. CT on NFL Network.
The Emmy Award-winning show utilizes in-depth documentary-style storytelling to highlight important people, places, and moments in the NFL each month. In the midst of Women’s History Month, there’s no better time to highlight the first woman to be the majority shareholder in both an NBA and NFL franchise; an exclusive club in either sport alone.
Benson became the owner of the two teams in 2018 following the passing of her husband, Tom Benson. In her first three seasons assuming ownership, it was clear the Saints were in good hands. Posting three consecutive NFC South division titles and an NFC Championship Game appearance in her first season in 2018, New Orleans has seen a seamless transition and immediate success under a rare female owner. They also had a lot of grit in those three years – no NFL team has matched the team’s 20 road victories since 2018.
Say what you will about the ability to co-manage two sports teams, but if you haven’t been paying attention to the New Orleans Pelicans, now would be the opportune time. Despite falling 138-130 in an overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets Sunday night, the Pelicans’ four-game winning streak that beat teams by 30-point margins all ties back to a crucial hire: coach Willie Green. The culture of the Pelicans finally matches that of the Saints – it was clear back in July. I had the opportunity to co-host an exclusive interview with Green following his introductory press conference on ESPN 100.3 FM and was sold immediately. In attendance was also Mrs. Benson, who makes it a point to attend most if not all Saints training camp practices with fans to do a lap on the field and greet both fans in the stands and us sweaty reporters.
This feature feels like it’s long overdue, and with the Saints at a critical point in the juncture of a new coaching era, and the Pelicans fighting for a play-in spot in the NBA Pelicans, it’s the perfect time to spotlight an incredibly accomplished women in the sports industry.
