NEW ORLEANS – Gov. Jeff Landry and Saints owner Gayle Benson have finalized a lease agreement that guarantees the Saints will remain based at the Caesars Superdome through 2035, with four optional five-year extensions that could extend the deal to 2055.
“Today is a great day not just for New Orleans, but for our entire State. With this agreement, we are paving the way for more Saints victories, more Super Bowl memories, and more economic growth for Louisiana,” said Landry. “The Superdome is not just a landmark in the world of sports; it’s a symbol of our state’s resilience and pride. I am proud to know its legacy will keep marching forward with today’s announcement.”
The lease agreement, announced during the stadium’s 50th anniversary year, not only secures the team’s future in New Orleans but also reopens the city’s ability to pursue another Super Bowl bid after missing an NFL deadline for the 2031 game because the lease had not been finalized.
Benson called the pact “an example of our continued special partnership with this great state of Louisiana” and added, “This agreement solidifies a partnership for decades to come.” She also told Landry, “Governor, I am confident that between you and I, we will give it our absolute best effort” in pursuing a Super Bowl bid. That effort could now include persuading NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to reopen the bidding process, something Benson had previously said she would attempt if the lease was resolved in time.
Hosting the event carries major economic weight: Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans earlier this year generated an estimated $1.25 billion statewide, including $658 million in visitor and vendor spending, nearly $400 million in wages, and more than $80 million in state and local tax revenue.
“This extension represents a continued and valued partnership between the New Orleans Saints and the state of Louisiana that demonstrates our intent to be here and fully committed for many decades,” Benson said. “The focus of our financial investment in the Caesars Superdome is at the core for the benefit of our fans, to improve the fan experience and the results have been very positive. The Caesars Superdome stands as a model for sport and stadium leaders on best practices for cutting edge renovations. We are proud of our committed partnership.”
Lease Details and Protections
Taken together, the package represents the most significant revision of the Saints’ lease arrangements in 16 years, since the last major deal in 2009, reshaping financial terms, facility agreements, and protections for both the team and the state:
- it restructures food and beverage revenue,
- caps state costs, and
- requires the team to contribute more toward operating expenses and upgrades.
For the first time, the agreement also includes financial penalties designed to deter any future owner from relocating the franchise.
Rob Vosbein, chairman of the LSED, said, “The Superdome and New Orleans Saints are inextricably tied together. Therefore, we are thrilled to complete these long-term agreements between the State and the New Orleans Saints, formalizing our commitment to keep the Saints in the Caesars Superdome for many years to come and create memories for the next generation of fans. To be able to get this done in the Superdome’s 50th anniversary year, makes it even more special.”
Agreements Beyond the Superdome
The signing followed months of negotiations over real estate and revenue-sharing issues, which included new terms on Benson Tower, Champions Square, and the Saints’ Metairie practice facility.
Under the new Benson Tower agreement, the state will lease the 26-story office building for 10 years, with a single five-year extension option. Rent will drop by $1 per square foot next year, saving about $200,000 annually, while future increases are capped at 2%. The state will lease less space overall and gains the right to sublet unused offices. The state’s share of operating expenses is reduced, and the lease includes an exit clause if Benson no longer owns the team.
At Champions Square, the state secured a 10-year lease with no renewal option at a fixed rent of $2.2 million annually. Parking revenue from the property will go to the state, while future upgrades will be split evenly with the team.
The Saints’ training facility in Metairie will also remain under lease on the same timetable as the Superdome agreement. The team will now shoulder a greater share of operating expenses, particularly insurance costs.
Saints spokesperson Greg Bensel said, “We have negotiated at various times with the State on lease extensions for more than 20 years and we must say that we are extremely pleased with the outcome of this particular agreement. Our goal remains to be here long-term, continue to improve the stadium for the benefit of our fans and be a great partner to the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana.”
