MLB Players Union Head Tony Clark to Resign Amid Looming Labor Negotiations

Resignation comes as union faces investigation into licensing company, potential salary cap fight with owners

Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Tony Clark, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, intends to resign from his position, according to a person familiar with the union's deliberations. Clark's decision comes as the union faces an investigation by the U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, into One Team Partners, a licensing company founded by the MLBPA, NFL Players Association, and RedBird Capital Partners in 2019. The resignation also precedes expected labor negotiations in April for a new collective bargaining agreement to replace the current five-year deal expiring on December 1, with management potentially proposing a salary cap that could lead to a work stoppage.

Why it matters

Clark's resignation as head of the powerful players' union comes at a critical juncture, as the MLBPA prepares to negotiate a new labor agreement with team owners. The potential proposal of a salary cap by management raises the specter of a labor dispute that could disrupt the 2026 MLB season, making Clark's departure especially impactful.

The details

According to the report, Clark's decision to resign was made ahead of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn into One Team Partners, a licensing company founded by the MLBPA, NFL Players Association, and private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners in 2019. The union has also canceled the annual spring training tour by its staff, typically held to connect with players ahead of the season. Clark, a former All-Star first baseman, became the first player to lead the MLBPA when he was hired as executive director in 2013 following the death of previous head Michael Weiner.

  • On February 17, 2026, Tony Clark informed the MLBPA of his intention to resign as executive director.
  • Clark's resignation comes ahead of expected labor negotiations in April for a new collective bargaining agreement to replace the current five-year deal expiring on December 1, 2026.

The players

Tony Clark

The 53-year-old former All-Star first baseman who has served as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association since 2013.

Bruce Meyer

The MLBPA's deputy executive director, who is set to be the primary negotiator in the upcoming labor talks with MLB team owners.

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What’s next

The MLBPA is expected to begin labor negotiations with MLB team owners in April 2026 to replace the current five-year collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1, 2026. The potential proposal of a salary cap by management raises the possibility of a work stoppage that could disrupt the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

Tony Clark's resignation as head of the powerful MLB Players Association comes at a critical juncture, as the union prepares to negotiate a new labor deal with team owners. With the specter of a salary cap proposal by management, Clark's departure could have significant implications for how the MLBPA approaches the high-stakes negotiations ahead.