Gayle Benson accumulated her vast wealth primarily through inheritance and successful business leadership following the passing of her late husband, Tom Benson, who was a prominent billionaire automotive and sports tycoon. After navigating a comprehensive legal settlement with members of her late husband's family, she assumed ownership of major professional sports assets, including the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League and the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association. In addition to the astronomical financial appreciation of these professional franchises over the years, she oversees various corporate holdings, real estate ventures, and commercial enterprises.