News Summary
The New Orleans Saints have secured a long-term lease at Caesars Superdome, ensuring their presence in the stadium until at least 2035. This deal, involving a minimum 10-year commitment with renewal options, has been hailed as a significant victory for Louisiana’s sports culture. Key financial changes include a shift to a profit-sharing model for concession sales and protective provisions to deter team relocation. The agreement marks the most substantial lease revision for the Saints since 2009 and promises improved conditions for both the team and state.
New Orleans—The New Orleans Saints have officially secured a long-term lease at the Caesars Superdome, which will keep the team in the stadium through at least 2035. The announcement was made during a press conference held on October 2, 2025, attended by Saints owner Gayle Benson and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
This new lease agreement provides the Saints with a minimum 10-year commitment, with options for them to renew the lease every five years until 2055. The deal finalizes ongoing negotiations that had previously stalled over various concerns, including real estate deals and the state’s profit-sharing from concessions.
Governor Landry heralded the agreement as a major victory for Louisiana, emphasizing the importance of the Superdome in the region’s sports culture and its close association with the Saints. The new terms, negotiated by the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (Superdome Commission), introduce several concessions that will benefit the state in comparison to the previous lease established in 2009.
Key Financial Changes
Under the revised lease terms, the Saints will transition from receiving an automatic 42% share of all gross food and beverage sales during games to a profit-sharing model. The team will contribute $2.75 million annually to cover overhead costs associated with the Superdome.
If revenues from concession sales do not surpass $7 million, the Saints’ share will be adjusted to 38% only if the stadium hosts more than 530,000 attendees. Should attendance fall below that threshold, the team’s share will decrease to 37%. Additionally, the lease includes improved marketing terms for premium seating during major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and the NCAA Final Four.
Protective Provisions
The lease contains provisions aimed at preventing future ownership changes that could result in the relocation of the team. If the Saints choose not to renew the lease after the initial term, they will be responsible for a $75 million fee, which will reduce over time. Liquidated damages provisions, worth an estimated $200 million, are included to help recoup investments made for renovations at the Superdome.
Furthermore, the agreement encompasses a new lease for Benson Tower, which is adjacent to the Superdome. This lease is set for ten years, with an option to renew for an additional five years. The terms of this arrangement will decrease the state’s rental space and costs, resulting in approximately a $200,000 reduction in annual rent for Benson Tower.
Improvements and Future Outlook
The new lease terms also enhance conditions related to Champions Square and the Saints’ training facility located in Metairie. This updated agreement signifies the most significant revision of the Saints’ lease arrangements since 2009.
The Saints organization has expressed optimism about the deal, indicating that it secures essential revenue channels while lowering costs and ensuring taxpayer protection. Both Benson and Landry noted the favorable outlook for future Super Bowl bids for New Orleans, contingent upon the finalized lease arrangements.
The signing ceremony took place on the field of the Superdome and saw attendance from Saints officials, local civic leaders, and members of the media, marking a celebratory moment for the team and the state of Louisiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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