What do Tom Benson, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have in common? All were named to Forbes’ new list of the world’s billionaires, unveiled Monday. The New Orleans Saints and Hornets/Pelicans owner is listed with a net worth of $1.2 billion.
Benson is the only Louisianan to make the Forbes list, ranking 377th among Americans and 1,175th overall. In September, the magazine and its web site also named Benson to their 400 Richest Americans list.
While mentioning his other local business holdings and philanthropic efforts, the new Forbes profile focuses in on the fact that Benson, 85, expanded his empire in 2012 by purchasing the city’s NBA franchise for $338 million.
“As he did with the Saints, Benson will try to turn the moribund franchise around. He has already changed the team’s name to the more regionally-appropriate Pelicans,” Forbes said.
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Danette O'Neal, PhD 