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The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has signed multi-year contract extensions with television play-by-play announcer Joel Meyers and color analyst Antonio Daniels, solidifying one of the NBA’s most dynamic and respected broadcast duos. Meyers and Daniels have been the voices behind the Pelicans’ TV broadcasts since 2019. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Joel and Antonio,” said Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson. “They bring energy, professionalism, and an unmatched love for the game that reflects the spirit of our organization and fan base. Their passion, insight, and chemistry have made them fan favorites across the Gulf South region.”
Dumars' plans to continue building the franchise around Williamson were revealed less than a week after a lawsuit was filed against Williamson in Los Angeles for rape and assault in 2020. Dumars wouldn't speak on the lawsuit. "I've been advised not to venture into any of his legal issues," Dumars said. Pelicans' owner Gayle Benson spoke about the lawsuit Wednesday. "You know, lawsuits are lawsuits," Benson said. "You really can't … You don't know. I mean people can sue you for anything. There's no reason. You can be innocent or not. It's just something that people do, unfortunately."
New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson addressing the lawsuit filed against star forward Zion Williamson, who is accused of rape and physical abuse by a woman claiming to be his former girlfriend. Benson spoke briefly about the matter on Tuesday, saying, “you know, lawsuits are lawsuits. I mean you really can't, you know...people can sue you for anything, there's no, there's no reason, you can be innocent or not, so it's just something that people do unfortunately.”
New Orleans Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson announced today that Joe Dumars has been named the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. Dumars will begin with the organization on April 21. Dumars brings more than 30 years of experience over the course of his illustrious career as a Hall of Fame player, NBA champion, and prominent team and league executive. He most recently served as Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations at the NBA league office from 2022-25, where he was responsible for overseeing all basketball operations matters, including the enforcement of playing rules and interpretations, conduct and discipline, and policies and procedures relating to the operation of games.
“Joe’s achievements as a renowned Hall of Fame player, NBA champion and front office executive are indisputable,” Benson said. “I have a great deal of respect for what Joe has already accomplished as a player and executive, but more importantly I admire his character and leadership. His vast experience and relationships throughout the NBA, along with his strong leadership qualities, will have a tremendous impact on our organization and our goal of winning an NBA championship. While at the league, he was involved in every aspect of basketball operations and got unparalleled perspective and knowledge of the most effective personnel, strategy and tactics throughout the league. That will benefit our team immediately as we move forward. I am delighted to welcome Joe, his wife Debbie, and their children Jordan and Aren to the Pelicans.”
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“First and foremost, I want to thank Mrs. Benson for giving me the honor and privilege to lead the Pelicans basketball operations group,” said Dumars. “As a Louisiana native, this is truly a full circle moment. I grew up as a Saints fan and the first AAU basketball team I played on at 16 years old was based in New Orleans, so this opportunity is very special to me on a personal level. I look forward to being a part of the Pelicans organization, and building a team that proudly represents our fans on the court and in our community.” Dumars added, “There is a lot of talent on this roster. My vision is to build a disciplined team that is built on toughness, smart decision-making and a no-excuses mindset. I am proud to have grown up in Louisiana and know how passionate, resilient and tough we are as a community. Our fans deserve a team that represents that spirit, and those characteristics will be the foundation of our team’s culture.”
The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin, it was announced today by Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson. “After considerable thought and evaluation, I have decided to relieve David Griffin of his duties as executive vice president of basketball operations,” Benson said. “This was a difficult decision, but one that I feel is necessary at this time to bring a fresh approach to our front office and build a culture that will deliver sustainable success, on and off the court. I am committed to hiring the right person to lead our basketball operations department and deliver an NBA Championship to our city. That is what our fans deserve. I am truly appreciative of David for his leadership and many contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community over the last six years. We wish David and his wife, Meredith, and their family all the best moving forward.”
Griffin was named the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations on April 17, 2019. Under Griffin’s leadership, the Pelicans compiled a record of 209-263 over the last six seasons which included two playoff appearances (2021-22 and 2023-24). New Orleans finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 21-61 record. Benson added, “While our focus is a championship on the court, we are also making sure that we do the same off the court, by continuing to prioritize the fan experience, and ensuring our games are easily accessible across our entire Gulf South region on multiple convenient platforms. In addition, we are working to determine the best path forward to transform the Smoothie King Center into the best arena in the NBA. We look forward to delivering on these priorities for our fans.”
Willie Green facing internal scrutiny by Pelicans for playing Jose Alvarado over Dyson Daniels
The pain of Murray's limited availability, meanwhile, was only exacerbated by the rise of Dyson Daniels in Atlanta after the Pelicans included him in the Murray deal. As a Hawk, Daniels has emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. And his rise has been a source of tension in the organization this season, with Green facing questions internally about his perceived past preferences for playing pesky guard Jose Alvarado rather than Daniels. Yet it must be noted that there were whispers about Green being in danger during the Pelicans' brutal 5-29 start ... especially after New Orleans had brought in former Hornets head coach James Borrego as Green's associate head coach. But he survived them. Green has been known known to hold significant support from Pelicans owner Gayle Benson.
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta wants to buy the New Orleans Saints
Tilman Fertitta told the Houston Business Journal that he is still interested in acquiring an NFL team if one becomes available. In particular, Fertitta said he would like to purchase the team he grew up rooting for: the New Orleans Saints. “I’ve always loved the New Orleans Saints, but (owner Gayle Benson) won’t sell them right now,” Fertitta said in a one-on-one interview.
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The most damning stuff here is about ownership. Gayle Benson owns the Pelicans and the NFL’s Saints, but everyone knows the football team is the real jewel. Allen said the Pelicans would “practice on the football field” and would be “shooting baskets in the goal posts.” He also said the organization would make the players take Uber pools to games. I can’t tell if that was a joke.
Smoothie King Center has undergone “minimal renovations” since opening its doors in 1999, and “most systems and equipment have reached or exceeded their usable life,” according to a copy of a report The Times-Picayune obtained. In March, the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District approved a study of the Smoothie King Center’s infrastructure. The architecture firm Gensler and the consulting company Venue Solutions Group toured the building March 19.
The report said the building’s sound and public address system — installed in 1999 — needs to be replaced; it said the video board hung above center court in 2016 should be upgraded within the next two years; and the three walk-in freezers, which were part of the building’s original construction, have reached the end of their usable life.
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