The New Orleans Saints are nearing a new long-term lease agreement to continue playing home games at the Caesars Superdome, according to Nola.com reporter Jeff Duncan. Negotiations have been challenging, largely due to Saints owner Gayle Benson’s age—78—which raises the likelihood of new ownership taking over during the deal’s duration.
“The NFL is cautious because you don’t want to burden a future owner with an agreement they may not find favorable,” Duncan explained.
Sources told Duncan that the deal is structured as a 10-year lease, with four optional five-year extensions controlled by the Saints. If fully exercised, the agreement would run through 2055. However, it does not guarantee the team’s long-term presence in New Orleans, as the relocation penalty is reportedly capped at $250 million.
Duncan emphasized that the responsibility of ensuring the Saints remain in Louisiana rests with Benson and team president Dennis Lauscha, both New Orleans natives. “Their legacy depends on selecting an owner committed to keeping the team in-state,” he said.
The lease announcement is expected next week, marking the first step in New Orleans’ push to host the Super Bowl again in 2031. Duncan noted that if successful, it would represent an unusually quick turnaround—just six years after the city last hosted—compared to the typical 10- to 12-year intervals.
Once the lease is secured, Duncan added, focus will shift to the Smoothie King Center, which requires major renovations to meet modern NBA standards.
