Owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, Robert Kraft, is suing the town of Foxborough over a dispute related to licensing fees while Kraft's stadium hosted matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Boston Globe acquired court documents that revealed Kraft Sports and Entertainment LLC has sued the town. Kraft accused Foxborough of "improperly squeezing them for nearly $1 million in new licensing fees that are not authorized under state law."
The 52-page lawsuit was filed on Monday, two days after Gillette hosted the first match of the tournament.
Kraft says Foxborough unlawfully sent an invoice of $953,640 and accused the town of "repeatedly misusing its state-granted licensing authority unlawfully to extract funds from Plaintiffs."
Kraft argues that, under state law, the town is not legally allowed to charge more than $100 for an entertainment license.
The town of Foxborough has since posted a statement on its official website.
"The Town of Foxborough is disappointed that Kraft Sports + Entertainment has chosen to appeal the annual Entertainment License issued by the Select Board," the statement read.
"As part of the 2026 Entertainment License issued by the Select Board, the Town implemented provisions requiring Kraft Sports + Entertainment to reimburse the Town for vital public safety and other municipal services necessary to support events held at Gillette Stadium. These services are intended to protect public health and safety and ensure that the Town is adequately prepared to manage large-scale events."
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