American football: Saints staying in New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints and Louisiana officials have reached an agreement that will keep the team from relocating for at least the next four National Football League seasons.

The contract for the Saints to play in the Louisiana Superdome has been extended through the 2010 NFL campaign, Saints owner Tom Benson announced today.

The Saints have been rumoured to be on the way out ever since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast in August 2005, putting much of New Orleans under water and severely damaging the Superdome's roof.

But while much of the port city has yet to be rebuilt, the Superdome underwent a US$186 million ($265 million) renovation and the fans responded by selling out the entire 2006-07 season.

The rejuvenated Saints reached the NFC championship game for the first time in franchise history.

- REUTERS