Raising Cane's Founder Interested in Buying New Orleans Saints

Todd Graves says he'd love to own an NFL team one day, including the Saints from Gayle Benson.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 8:07am

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Raising Cane's co-founder Todd Graves has expressed interest in potentially purchasing the New Orleans Saints from current owner Gayle Benson. Graves, a Louisiana native, said in a recent interview that he loves football and wouldn't rule out becoming an NFL team owner in the future. While Benson has stated she has no plans to sell the Saints, Graves' interest has sparked speculation among fans about the future ownership of the team.

Why it matters

The potential sale of the Saints is a significant topic for the New Orleans community, as the team has been a beloved part of the city's culture for decades. Graves' interest as a local businessman could be seen as a positive sign for fans who want the team to remain in New Orleans under local ownership.

The details

Graves, who is 53 years old and co-founded the Raising Cane's chicken finger restaurant chain, is estimated to be worth around $22 billion according to Forbes. This would give him the financial means to potentially purchase an NFL franchise like the Saints. Benson, the current owner, has stated she has no plans to sell the team, but has also said any future sale would require the team to remain in New Orleans and that proceeds would go to local charities.

  • In late 2025, Gayle Benson said she has no plans to sell the New Orleans Saints.

The players

Todd Graves

The co-founder of the Raising Cane's chicken finger restaurant chain, who has expressed interest in potentially purchasing the New Orleans Saints.

Gayle Benson

The current owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, who has stated she has no plans to sell the Saints.

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What they’re saying

“For me, I love football. I love the fanfare of it. I love the fact that coaches and teams have to put together amazing plays and amazing teams. The athletes are incredible.”

— Todd Graves (TMZ Sports)

“Gayle's amazing. She's a sharp lady. I respect her. We're good friends. I learn from her. She's an incredible businesswoman and does so much for the community.”

— Todd Graves (TMZ Sports)

The takeaway

The potential sale of the New Orleans Saints is a topic of great interest for the local community, and the interest expressed by Raising Cane's co-founder Todd Graves has sparked speculation about the team's future ownership. While current owner Gayle Benson has stated she has no plans to sell, Graves' comments suggest there may be local businessmen interested in keeping the Saints in New Orleans under local ownership.