Story perspectives

Patriots sue Foxborough, say $1M fee illegal

6/17/2026

Summary

Kraft Sues Foxborough

Kraft Sports and Entertainment LLC and the New England Patriots sued Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, alleging the town added $1 million to the April license renewal, exceeding the $100 limit.
In March, the Select Board warned it would withhold the license unless the Kraft Group paid $7.8 million for security.
The Superior Court will decide if the fee is a licensing condition or an illegal tax, affecting Gillette Stadium funding.

Summary

Kraft Settles

The lawsuit says the town’s lease with the Kraft Group forces the stadium lessee to pay all services tied to events.
Plaintiffs note the lessee pays about $300,000 yearly for wastewater despite on-site reuse and faces hundreds of thousands in annual $10-per-space parking fees.
After a brief standoff, the parties settled the $7.8 million World Cup security bill, with Kraft covering costs so the seven matches could proceed at Gillette Stadium.

Summary

Kraft Lawsuit

Pat Moscaritolo, former Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau head, said the lawsuit’s timing was perplexing because it broke regional unity.
David D’Alessandro, former John Hancock chairman, said the suit seeks publicity and warned the town, while Foxborough officials argued residents should not subsidize municipal costs for private events.
The dispute has spotlighted Boston’s World Cup logistical and fundraising challenges as fans, including kilt-wearing Scots, continue to celebrate matches locally.

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Kraft Sues Foxborough

Kraft Sports and Entertainment LLC and the New England Patriots sued Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, alleging the town added $1 million to the April license renewal, exceeding the $100 limit.
In March, the Select Board warned it would withhold the license unless the Kraft Group paid $7.8 million for security.
The Superior Court will decide if the fee is a licensing condition or an illegal tax, affecting Gillette Stadium funding.

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