Tom Benson
The patriarch who purchased the franchise and steered it through a historic rebranding era.
Tom Benson was the visionary owner and driving force behind the New Orleans Pelicans for over two decades, purchasing the franchise in 2012 after a long tenure with the New Orleans Saints. His ownership marked the transition from the New Orleans Hornets to the current Pelicans identity, a rebranding that sought to honor the region's unique heritage while stabilizing the team financially and culturally.
- Role
- Owner
- Affiliation
- New Orleans Pelicans (formerly New Orleans Hornets)
- Acquisition Year
- 2012
- Status
- Deceased (October 2018)
- Legacy Asset
- Smoothie King Center (renamed from New Orleans Arena under his ownership)
Lore & Background
Benson's tenure was defined by stability and community integration rather than just on-court championships, though he oversaw the construction of new training facilities and the renaming of the arena. He worked closely with local leaders to ensure the team remained a pillar of New Orleans' recovery. His passing in October 2018 marked the end of an era for both the Saints and Pelicans, leaving behind a legacy of civic pride that transcended sports statistics.
In Their Own Story
The lights dimmed slightly as the arena fell silent, not for a timeout, but for a moment of reflection. On the hardwood court, where players once sprinted under the bright glare of the Smoothie King Center, the spirit of Tom Benson lingered in the quiet hum of the crowd. It was a night where the Pelicans wore a special patch on their jerseys, a small tribute to the man who had bought the team with a promise: to keep basketball alive in this city no matter what storms came next.
Reader's Guide
The arena history under Tom Benson is defined by the transition from the New Orleans Arena to the Smoothie King Center. While the physical structure remained largely similar, the branding and atmosphere shifted to reflect the new Pelicans identity, incorporating local Cajun and Creole aesthetics into the decor.
Game-day experiences during this era were characterized by a strong sense of community resilience. Fans often gathered not just for the game, but as part of a collective celebration of New Orleans' enduring spirit. The pre-game festivities frequently featured local brass bands, a tradition that Benson supported to keep the city's musical heritage alive within the stadium.
The team's role in the broader community was central to Benson's philosophy. He ensured that the Pelicans were deeply involved in youth programs and charitable initiatives, particularly those aiding families affected by natural disasters. This era established the Pelicans as more than a sports franchise; they became a symbol of New Orleans' recovery and cultural pride.
Did You Know?
- Tom Benson owned both the New Orleans Saints and the Pelicans simultaneously for several years.
- The team was officially renamed from the Hornets to the Pelicans during his ownership in 2013.
- He purchased the franchise specifically to keep professional basketball in New Orleans after previous instability.
- Benson passed away in October 2018, and the arena was later renamed Paycom Center in a separate transaction, though his legacy remains tied to the Smoothie King era.