Tom Benson was an American businessman, philanthropist and sports franchise owner.
Thomas Milton Benson was born on July 12, 1927, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the U.S. to parents, Thomas Benson, Sr. and Carmen Benson. Tom had served in the U.S. Navy before graduating with an accounting degree at Loyola University New Orleans in 1948.
Following his education, Tom Benson worked as a car salesman at Cathey Chevrolet in New Orleans. He became wealthy by investing profits from his automobile dealerships in local banks. He gained ownership of Tom Benson Chevrolet in 1962 and was the owner of many automobile dealerships in the Greater New Orleans and San Antonio areas.
Tom Benson later bought the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League in 1985 and The New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association in 2012.
What did Tom Benson do for a living?
Tom Benson was an American businessman and sports franchise owner. He was the principal owner of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) and the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Who owns the Saints now?
Gayle Benson was named the principal owner of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) in 2018 following the death of her husband, Tom Benson.
What did Tom Benson pay for the Saints?
Tom Benson purchased the Saints in 1985 at a cost of $70 million.
Tom Benson cause of death
Tom Benson passed away due to the flu. Benson was hospitalized on February 16, 2018, with the flu and he died almost a month later on March 15, 2018, at Ochsner Medical Center in Jefferson, Louisiana. He was 90 years old at the time.