As the owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, giving back to the Crescent City has become what the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) calls a hallmark of her leadership, represented by millions of dollars annually in financial support, in-kind donations, charitable appearances and goods and services distributed to those in need.
This is why the NABLF 2026 Celebration of Service to America Leadership Award is being presented to Gayle Benson.
“Gayle Benson truly embodies the values of philanthropy through her work to support, educate and care for others, especially in her hometown of New Orleans and surrounding areas,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “We are thrilled to be honoring Mrs. Benson and her legacy of long-term, positive and sustainable impact with the Foundation’s Leadership Award, our highest individual commendation for service.”
Benson will receive the recognition during the Celebration of Service to America Awards gala, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, in Washington, D.C., on June 9 at The Anthem.
Beyond her community impact, Benson is an active and respected leader in professional sports. In 2025, she was appointed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as co-chair of the National Football League Legislative Committee, where she helps guide the league’s government relations strategy. She also serves on the National Basketball Association’s Labor Relations Committee and has been a member of the NBA Foundation Board of Directors since 2020.
Benson also played a key role in working with Gray Media on the launch of the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (GCSEN), a regional broadcast and digital platform.
