The Importance of the Saints Finalizing a Deal to Remain in New Orleans for Another Decade
Anyone who has been following the news over the past six months about the New Orleans Saints may regard the events as dramatic enough for a 10-episode reality series on any streaming service. The conclusion of a 5-12 season, the hiring of a new head coach, the retirement of the starting quarterback, and the signing of new players would cause anyone to binge-watch this compelling storyline. Although the majority of the episodes would be focused on the players, there would also be an intriguing long-term subplot as to the fate of the entire organization. Brief scenes of owners, executives, and leaseholders in a meeting room would be discussing whether or not the team would remain in the city. The finale would end with a cliffhanger about the uncertainty of the team’s and the city’s future together.
The season premiere would be scenes of Saints fans and citizens of New Orleans sighing in relief after what has been a precarious month regarding the permanence of their team. The finalization for this deal was intended to occur about two weeks ago in order to avoid missing the window to bid on the 2031 Super Bowl; however, it was delayed because of its connection with leases on properties unaffiliated with the deal. Several days ago, the New Orleans Saints signed a lease extension on the Caesars Superdome, solidifying that the NFL team will remain, at least through 2035, in "The Big Easy." During a ceremony on the field of the Superdome, the deal was formally announced to the public. New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry gathered with Saints officials and civic leaders during a press conference to announce the long-term lease being made official. In order to possibly remain until 2055, the team was given the option to renew every four years for five-year increments. If this 20-year renewal is successful, it will be in time to commemorate 80 years after the structure’s completion. However, if the Saints decline to renew after the initial 10-year term, they would owe the state a penalty of $75 million, which will decrease over time.
Regardless of their current 0-4 season, this is a welcome victory for anyone involved in any capacity with the Saints. Although they failed to get the lease signed by last month’s deadline to potentially allow the city to host the 2031 Super Bowl, the owner is determined to persuade NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to reopen the bidding to host the event. Another championship game would generate an incredible amount of profitability for the local economy. Hosting the Super Bowl would bring $1.25 billion into the city. They did this in 2012, making it the second most financially impactful Super Bowl in NFL history. That amount will certainly increase in six years and will allow enough time for new businesses to be established. For the city of New Orleans, this deal reaffirms that the Superdome will continue to remain among its most important attractions and “home” to its Saints.
