Tony Clark Resigns as Head of MLB Players Union

Resignation comes amid investigation into licensing company co-founded by union

Published on Feb. 19, 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. The resignation 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.

Why it matters

Clark's resignation could have significant implications for the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations between the players' union and MLB management. The investigation into One Team Partners also raises questions about the union's operations and governance.

The details

Clark, a former All-Star first baseman, took over as head of the players' union in 2013 after the death of his predecessor, Michael Weiner. He 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 negotiations.

  • Tony Clark announced his resignation on February 17, 2026.
  • The current five-year labor contract between MLB players and management is set to expire on December 1, 2026.

The players

Tony Clark

The former head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, who is resigning from his position.

Bruce Meyer

The newly promoted deputy executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, who is expected to lead the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Clark's resignation comes at a critical time for the players' union, as it prepares to negotiate a new labor agreement with MLB management. The investigation into One Team Partners also raises questions about the union's operations and governance, which could impact the upcoming negotiations.