Tony Clark to resign as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association: Federal investigation underway
Tony Clark quit as executive director of the MLB Players Association as a federal investigation and collective bargaining negotiations add uncertainty.
Tony Clark is stepping down as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a stunning development that comes amid a growing federal investigation and just months before what could be the most contentious labor negotiations in recent baseball history.
Tony Clark plans to resign as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, sources tell @DVNJr and me. Clark’s resignation comes in the wake of the Eastern District of New York’s investigation into alleged financial improprieties at the union.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 17, 2026
MLBPA’s Tony Clark resigns amid federal probe
Federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York have been examining the union’s relationship with OneTeam Partners, a joint licensing venture with the National Football League Players Association, over whether licensing revenue and equity interests were properly handled. The probe also includes scrutiny of Players Way, a youth-baseball initiative the union funded that reportedly spent millions with little measurable output.
Clark has not been charged with wrongdoing, and neither he nor the union immediately commented publicly.
"It's very sad to see, because Tony meant a lot to me"
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 17, 2026
Marcus Semien reacts to Tony Clark resigning as MLBPA executive director, while noting that there was no discussion prior about the news with team reps around MLB: pic.twitter.com/sT7Xdkb4c1
Clark’s resignation was first reported by ESPN and confirmed by multiple outlets on Tuesday. It ends a 13-year run leading the players’ union, a tenure that included navigating two negotiated collective bargaining agreements and helping steer the sport through tumultuous labor battles.
The investigation, first widely reported last year and later expanded, placed increased pressure on Clark and union leadership. Although Clark has not been charged with any wrongdoing, the timing of his departure throws an already complicated offseason into greater uncertainty.
Leadership vacancy at a crucial time
Clark’s decision comes with the current five-year collective bargaining agreement set to expire on Dec. 1, 2026, and owners are widely expected to impose a lockout if no deal is reached. With labor talks expected to begin in April, his exit leaves a leadership gap on the eve of what many analysts believe could become one of the most contentious negotiations in baseball history. The upcoming negotiations could be even more volatile than the 2021–22 dispute, particularly as several ownership groups have openly pushed for a salary cap system, a structure long opposed by the players’ union.
Some details on the Tony Clark resignation news and background on the investigation that's part of it from @Ken_Rosenthal. pic.twitter.com/Ziy1XKMH3M
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 17, 2026
Clark, 53, became the first former player to lead the MLBPA when he succeeded Michael Weiner in 2013. A former MLB All-Star first baseman, he played for several teams during his playing career before moving into union leadership. Under his direction, the MLBPA successfully navigated complex labor fights in 2016 and 2022, including a 99-day lockout that delayed the 2022 season’s start.
The union abruptly canceled the start of its annual spring training tour, including a planned meeting with the Cleveland Guardians, following the resignation news.
Internal reaction and what comes next
Reactions from players and executives have been mixed. Some union members expressed surprise at the timing, while others suggested the change could prompt fresh leadership ahead of a potential labor standoff. Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ said the strength of the union rests with the players themselves, not any one individual, signaling confidence in the organization’s resilience.
Deputy executive director Bruce Meyer, who led negotiations for the MLBPA in previous talks, is widely viewed as the most likely interim successor, given his experience and role as the union’s lead bargaining representative.
Marcus Semien is asked if, in his eyes, Tony Clark resigned due to the ongoing investigation and to not be a distraction:
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 17, 2026
"I think so, because up to this point before any investigations, I've had the ultimate confidence in Tony Clark to lead this player group" pic.twitter.com/2KYp5E9IZX
Clark’s departure marks a significant shift for Major League Baseball at a moment when the sport’s economic future, including player compensation, competitive balance, and collective bargaining rights, are all up for discussion. With the clock ticking toward a new agreement deadline and federal scrutiny still ongoing, the next chapter for the MLBPA will be closely watched by players, owners and fans alike.
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