MLB Players Union Head Tony Clark Resigning Amid Probe, Looming Labor Talks

Clark's departure comes as the union faces an investigation and prepares for collective bargaining negotiations that could lead to a work stoppage.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Tony Clark, the head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, is resigning from his position, according to a person familiar with the union's deliberations. Clark's decision comes during an investigation by the U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, into One Team Partners, a licensing company founded by the union and the NFL Players Association. The move also precedes the expected start of collective bargaining 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 1985.

Why it matters

Clark's resignation as head of the powerful players' union comes at a critical juncture, as the league and union prepare to negotiate a new labor deal. The potential for a salary cap proposal from management raises the specter of a labor dispute that could disrupt the 2024 MLB season, impacting players, teams, and fans alike. The ongoing investigation into the union's licensing company also adds an element of uncertainty to the union's leadership transition.

The details

Tony Clark, a former All-Star first baseman, took over as head of the MLB Players Association in 2013 after the death of previous executive director Michael Weiner. Clark led the union through negotiations that resulted in labor agreements in 2016 and 2022, the latter following a 99-day lockout. Bruce Meyer, who was the lead negotiator under Clark in 2021-22, has been promoted to deputy executive director and is expected to lead the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations.

  • Clark announced his resignation on February 17, 2026.
  • The current five-year labor contract between MLB and the players' union expires on December 1, 2026.
  • Collective bargaining negotiations are expected to begin in April 2026, ahead of the expiration of the current deal.

The players

Tony Clark

The outgoing head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, who is resigning from his position amid an investigation into the union's licensing company and ahead of crucial labor negotiations.

Bruce Meyer

The newly promoted deputy executive director of the MLB Players Association, who is expected to lead the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations with the league.

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What’s next

The judge overseeing the investigation into One Team Partners, the licensing company founded by the MLB and NFL players' unions, is expected to make a decision on the matter in the coming weeks, which could impact the union's leadership transition and the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations.

The takeaway

The resignation of Tony Clark, the long-time head of the MLB Players Association, comes at a critical juncture for the union as it faces an investigation and prepares for high-stakes labor negotiations that could potentially lead to a work stoppage. The transition in union leadership, with Bruce Meyer set to take on a larger role, will be closely watched as the players and league navigate these challenging issues.