MLB Players' Union Head Tony Clark to Resign

Resignation comes amid investigation into union's licensing company

Feb. 19, 2026 at 12:55am

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Tony Clark, the head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, intends to resign from his position, according to a person familiar with the union's deliberations. The decision comes as the U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, investigates One Team Partners, a licensing company founded by the union, the NFL Players Association, and RedBird Capital Partners in 2019.

Why it matters

Clark's resignation could have significant implications for the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations between the players' union and MLB management. The two sides are expected to begin negotiations in April for a new labor agreement to replace the current five-year contract that expires on December 1. Management is reportedly on track to propose a salary cap, which could potentially lead to a work stoppage and the cancellation of regular-season games for the first time since 1995.

The details

Clark, a former All-Star first baseman, became the first player to head the union in 2013 after serving as the union's director of player relations since 2010. He led players through negotiations that resulted in labor agreements in 2016 and 2022. Deputy executive director Bruce Meyer is set to be the primary negotiator in the upcoming labor talks.

  • Clark intends to resign on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The current five-year labor contract between MLB and the players' union expires on December 1, 2026.

The players

Tony Clark

The current head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, who intends to resign from his position.

Bruce Meyer

The deputy executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, who is set to be the primary negotiator in the upcoming labor talks.

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What they’re saying

“Tony Clark intends to resign as head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a person familiar with the union's deliberations said Tuesday.”

— Unnamed source

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, is investigating One Team Partners, the licensing company founded by the players' union, the NFL Players Association, and RedBird Capital Partners. The investigation could impact the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations between the players' union and MLB management.

The takeaway

Clark's resignation as head of the MLB Players Association comes at a critical time, as the union prepares to negotiate a new labor agreement with league management. The investigation into the union's licensing company and the potential for a salary cap proposal from management could lead to a contentious round of negotiations and the possibility of a work stoppage.