The New Orleans Pelicans’ lease at Smoothie King Center expires in a little more than two years.
On Tuesday, owner Gayle Benson said any discussions about a potential new long-term home for the Pelicans are still in the early stages.
“You know, that’s in the future, and we’re trying to look for now,” Benson said at the NFL Annual Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida. “We’re talking about it, but we’ve been talking about it. Hopefully, at the right time we’ll make that decision.
“But for now, we’re just focusing on renovating what we have. We’re still renovating the Superdome and doing upgrades at the arena.”
As The Times-Picayune first reported in February, the Pelicans’ lease at Smoothie King Center expires on June 30, 2024. At any point before then, the team can exercise a five-year option to remain there. Pelicans president Dennis Lauscha told The Times-Picayune in February the team’s ownership group has “every anticipation” of doing so if that date draws closer and no long-term plan has been established.
“It’s not like we’re leaving,” Lauscha said.
“I don’t want anyone to think we’re using that as any type of leverage over the state of Louisiana.”
The Smoothie King Center turned 22 years old in October. It was built on spec three years before the then-Hornets came to New Orleans in 2002.
As Benson indicated, the Caesars Superdome is in the midst of a $450 million renovation that is expected to be complete by 2025. The Saints and Pelicans ownership group committed $150 million toward that project.
Benson said she watched the Pelicans’ come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday from South Florida. She was complimentary of first-year coach Willie Green, who has the Pelicans in position to earn a play-in tournament spot despite star forward Zion Williamson not suiting up in a game this season.
“You know, I’m so happy for Willie Green,” Benson said. “He’s such a great guy. He’s just very patient and kind. In the locker room, he’s so patient with the guys. I’m always in the locker room, and every time after the game, win or lose, he talks to them and explains to them why we didn’t win this time.
“It’s really a lot of fun to see him manage those players, or train them in how to be the best they can be.”
Staff write Luke Johnson contributed to this report.
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