Boston Mayor Wu's Tourism Chief Joins Pro Soccer Team Partnering on Stadium Rebuild

John Borders IV leaves City Hall to become senior VP of partnerships for Boston Legacy FC amid contentious White Stadium project.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:48pm

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Mayor Michelle Wu's tourism director, John Borders IV, is leaving his City Hall post to join Boston Legacy FC, a new National Women's Soccer League team that is partnering with the city on a $325 million rebuild of White Stadium. The move comes amid criticism that the stadium project has been a giveaway to the wealthy investment group behind Boston Legacy.

Why it matters

Borders' transition from the mayor's office to the city's private soccer partner raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the bidding process for the White Stadium project, which has faced scrutiny over its escalating costs and the perception that it benefits the wealthy investors behind Boston Legacy FC.

The details

Borders, who has worked as the city's director of tourism, sports and entertainment for three years, plans to leave his City Hall post at the end of March and start his new job with Boston Legacy FC in early April. The soccer team announced that Borders will serve as senior vice president of partnerships, a role in which he will 'play a critical role in shaping partnerships that strengthen both our business and our connection to the communities we serve.' Borders previously worked for the Boston Celtics and the Patrick administration for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

  • Borders plans to leave his City Hall post at the end of March 2026.
  • Borders will start his new job with Boston Legacy FC in early April 2026.

The players

Mayor Michelle Wu

The current mayor of Boston who has championed the White Stadium rebuild plan as a win for Boston Public Schools students.

John Borders IV

The outgoing director of tourism, sports and entertainment for the city of Boston, who is leaving his City Hall post to join Boston Legacy FC as senior vice president of partnerships.

Boston Legacy FC

A new National Women's Soccer League team that is partnering with the city of Boston on the $325 million rebuild of White Stadium.

Josh Kraft

Wu's mayoral opponent last year who accused the city of coordinating a 'rigged' bidding process for the White Stadium project.

Amina Bulman

The chief revenue officer of Boston Legacy FC.

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What they’re saying

“John brings an extraordinary ability to connect people, organizations and purpose. His deep roots in Boston, proven track record in building meaningful partnerships, and commitment to community impact make him an incredible addition to our leadership team.”

— Amina Bulman, Chief Revenue Officer, Boston Legacy FC

“I'm incredibly honored to join Boston Legacy FC during such an exciting time for professional women's soccer and for the city. Boston has always been home, and I look forward to developing partnerships that not only grow the club's impact, but also invest in the people and neighborhoods that make the city so special.”

— John Borders IV

“John has been a tremendous leader for our city and a driving force in showcasing Boston's vibrant neighborhoods and community spirit to the nation and the world. I can't imagine a better choice for this exciting opportunity. I know he'll continue to carry that momentum forward into his new role with Legacy FC and keep bringing people together across our city.”

— Mayor Michelle Wu

What’s next

The city has not yet announced a replacement for Borders as the director of tourism, sports and entertainment.

The takeaway

Borders' move from the mayor's office to the private soccer team's leadership raises concerns about the transparency and fairness of the bidding process for the White Stadium rebuild, which has been criticized as a giveaway to wealthy investors. The project's escalating costs and the perception of favoritism toward Boston Legacy FC will likely continue to be a point of contention in the city.