New Orleans Saints sign lease agreement extension through 2035

'Once the NFL approves this lease extension we will then be allowed to petition the NFL to bid on future Super Bowls'

Oct 02, 2025 at 06:08 PM

John DeShazier

Senior Writer

New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson joined Governor Jeff Landry and the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Commission to sign the Saints' ten year lease extension agreement at the Caesars Superdome on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Before the document was officially sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, before there even was ink on it to dry, New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson vowed that New Orleans and the Saints would pursue hosting another Super Bowl in the Caesars Superdome as soon as possible.

That pursuit only could be made realistic with a new lease agreement between the franchise and the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, and on Thursday, the sides signed an agreement that will keep the Saints in the Superdome through the 2035 season.

"This is what winning looks like," Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said.

"Discussions about this agreement have spanned two administrations, a global pandemic and Hurricane Ida," Benson said. "I am totally happy that we will be sending a signed copy of this agreement to the NFL for their approval.

"We have entered into numerous negotiations with the state, for as far back as I can recall. And each time, a better partnership has been formed with a clearer vision for mutual success for both the state and the team. But more importantly, for our fans. And I am convinced that today, this is the case."

The extension not only provides for the Saints to continue playing in the Superdome, which has been home to the franchise since 1975, but includes provisions for continued capital improvements to the facility.

In February, New Orleans hosted its 11th Super Bowl; eight have been played in the Superdome.

The Super Bowl committee deadline recently passed, but Benson said that would not be a deterrent.

"This past February proved what we can do when we all work together," Benson said. "Our ability to secure another Super Bowl has been somewhat compressed, but I am not deterred.

"Once the NFL approves this lease extension – which I know they will – we will then be allowed to petition the NFL to bid on future Super Bowls.

"I explained to (Goodell) that we would, in fact, be back in his office making our best case to host another Super Bowl in the very near future, once this extension was signed."

Other high-profile events – the Sugar Bowl, the New Orleans Bowl, concerts and other major athletic events – will be hosted, per usual. But Landry said the Saints and the Superdome belong together.

"To me, this Superdome and the Saints are not two different things; they are actually one," he said. "And in my opinion, that's why the Saints can never leave the city of New Orleans.

"It never crossed my mind that we were not going to reach a deal. We wanted to make sure that the taxpayer was protected, that the citizens got a good deal and at the same time, we wanted to make sure that the Saints were made whole and that we gave them the incentive to stay here.

"We want a healthy NFL team. We don't want to hamstring the NFL team, and we don't want to hamstring the Superdome. It is a great deal for everyone. There were no 'gotcha' moments, there were no real hand-wringing moments.

"You have to have this team here. Think about what the Superdome would be without an NFL team. This was a deal that had to be done."

He credited Benson with making sure the deal was completed.

"She is an unbelievable ambassador, not only for the city of New Orleans but for the state of Louisiana," Landry said. "She's an icon in my opinion, for this state and the city. I've never seen someone who works so tirelessly to promote both Louisiana and the city of New Orleans."

Photos: Gayle Benson, Saints signs Caesars Superdome lease extension

New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson joined Governor Jeff Landry and the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Commission to sign the Saints' ten year lease extension agreement at the Caesars Superdome on Thursday, October 2, 2025.