Congratulations to Gayle Benson — Forbes’ Most Powerful Woman in American Sports
In a defining moment for sports leadership and representation, Gayle Benson has been crowned No. 1 on Forbes’ America’s Most Powerful Women in Sports 2025 list. This isn’t just a personal achievement — it signals shifting tides in the sports business, media and ownership landscape.
Breaking Ground & Making History
Benson made history in 2018 when she assumed ownership of both the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA), becoming the only woman to lead franchises in both leagues. Her stewardship covers an astonishing combined valuation of roughly $8.35 billion. ( A Forbes estimate places her personal net worth at approximately $7.9 billion.
Power & Influence Beyond Ownership
Forbes explains the ranking looks beyond titles — it weighs both financial muscle and directional impact. In Benson’s case:
* She has been central to the Saints’ international ambitions, including being the first franchise to secure French marketing rights and a partnership with the Paris Musketeers of the European League of Football (ELF). (
* She played a key role in bringing Super Bowl LIX to New Orleans — praised by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for her leadership in business, philanthropy and sport.
Why This Matters
Her ascent matters for multiple reasons:
* It underlines the growing economic weight of women in sports — especially in ownership and executive roles. For example, women’s sports revenue surpassed $1 billion in 2024, with projections reaching $2.5 billion by 2030.
* It affirms that influence is not only about being on the field but steering teams, franchises and media strategies. Benson’s case reinforces that ownership counts.
* It sends a powerful message of representation: that women can and are leading the largest franchises in historically male-dominated leagues.
A Leadership Profile
Benson’s path has been marked by more than corporate titles. Born in New Orleans, she has deep ties to the city she now leads in sport, business and philanthropy. Her commitment to community and civic engagement has been acknowledged by numerous local honours.
What’s Ahead
With this recognition, several questions and opportunities unfold:
* How will Benson further leverage her platform to shape the global expansion of the Saints and Pelicans?
* What ripple effect will this have for women’s representation across sports ownership, front-office leadership and media rights deals?
* How might Benson’s influence shape New Orleans’ sporting culture, regional economy and global profile as a sports city?
Final Thoughts
Gayle Benson’s proclamation as Forbes’ Most Powerful Woman in American Sports is more than a headline—it’s a marker of transformation.
She stands at the intersection of sport, business and cultural leadership, and in doing so, she is helping chart a new course for what power in American sports can look like. Congratulations to her on this richly deserved recognition.