METAIRIE -- Black and gold wreaths went up Friday at the Saints headquarters on Airline Drive in Metairie.
There will be a period of mourning there, but sources close to the team don't expect the Saints or NBA Pelicans next door to be moved or sold with the passing of owner Tom Benson.
In fact, both franchises have long term contracts at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans.
"There's a current lease that is due to expire in 2025, however the state and the Saints have been having ongoing conversations to extend well beyond that period," said Kyle France, chairman of the LSED, the state board that manages the dome and arena.
According to Forbes Magazine, Tom Benson was worth $3 billion at the time of his passing. Forbes also valued the Saints at $2 billion and the Pelicans at $1 billion.
Benson's wife Gayle now takes the reins of his sports and business empire.
In recent years, the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins were sold to pay the estate taxes after their owners died.
Gayle Benson said in a statement she and her husband planned carefully for this day.
Metairie CPA Gerry Schreiber says the 2015 legal battle Tom Benson waged to cut family members out of his will gave a glimpse at a financial strategy to reduce the estate tax bite upon his death.
"We saw there that there was trusts and there were various other legal and accounting mechanisms in place, different voting arrangements," Schreiber said. "There are legal ways to ensure continuity in the operation of the Saints and the Pelicans."
The LSED is now looking for a fitting way to honor Mr. Benson.
Some fans would like to rename Champions Square, the entertainment venue next to the dome, Benson square.
"We'll deal that at the appropriate time," France said. "I haven't heard that yet, but it's a good idea."
For now, the stadium commission is expected to vote on a resolution honoring Tom Benson at it's monthly meeting next week.