San Antonio billionaire Tom Benson Jr., owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, dies at 90

[TexasTowelie]

Tom Benson Jr., the Texas automobile, banking and media magnate who owned the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans franchise, died Thursday. He was 90.

Benson, who was hospitalized in New Orleans with the flu Feb. 16, “passed away peacefully today at Ochsner Medical Center with his wife Gayle Marie Benson at his side,” the Saints said on Twitter Thursday.

The billionaire amassed his wealth in San Antonio through car dealerships and banking before buying the NFL’s New Orleans Saints in 1985 and moving to the Crescent City. He also owns the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans.

“Tom was a friend and an ally, and I admired him greatly. He was a proud Texan, who also embraced his leadership role in the State of Louisiana,” said Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. “Tom was not only a great and generous owner, but he was also a very productive contributor to the National Football League.”

Read more: https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/local/article/San-Antonio-billionaire-Tom-Benson-dead-12756911.php

[Sherman A1]

1. This should set up a scramble for the estate

I understand that there’s some discord within the family over money and control of things.

[TexasTowelie]

2. There was a trial in New Orleans about a year ago

where the daughter and his other heirs questioned whether Benson was mentally competent to write up a new will. The judge ruled that Benson was competent.

[Sherman A1]

3. I recall that there was something going on

told about it second hand by my Sister who is a huge Pelicans fan and lives in the area. That said, now that he has passed away, I am sure that there will be battalions of attorneys involved in the coming process.