NBA: Owner of New Orleans Pelicans deceased at age 90

Tom Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Pelicans, died at the age of 90. Benson died in a hospital in New Orleans after being admitted less than a month ago for influenza. This was confirmed by the Pelicans.

Benson, who also owned the New Orleans Saints from the NFL, bought the then New Orleans Hornets in 2012, during his era the team was renamed and the franchise turned upside down.

“The NBA mourns,” Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement,”Tom Benson had a big heart and was always generous. He was a good friend of mine and many others in the world of sport. His loss will leave a big gap. Our sincere condolences to his wife Gayle, his family, the Pelicans and Saints and his many friends.”