Benson LeBlanc was long considered the heir apparent to Benson's sports empire. A previous succession plan held that Renee Benson would receive a 60 percent share of each of Benson's teams, while Benson LeBlanc and Ryan LeBlanc would each receive a 20 percent share of each team. But Benson announced Wednesday that Gayle Benson, 67, would assume control of both franchises -- with the rest of the family effectively cut out of the process -- as part of a plan to "ensure the long-term stability and success" of the Saints and the Pelicans, the NBA franchise.