MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark Stepping Down

Clark's departure comes amid investigation into alleged financial improprieties at the players' union.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Tony Clark, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), is expected to step down from his position, according to a report from The Athletic. Clark has been with the MLBPA since 2010, one season after retiring from MLB as a player. His departure comes against the backdrop of an investigation by the Eastern District of New York into alleged financial improprieties at the players' union.

Why it matters

Clark's resignation will mark a significant transition for the MLBPA as the union prepares to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with MLB. The current CBA expires on December 1, 2026, and there is potential for a lockout in 2027 as the two sides debate issues like a potential salary cap.

The details

Clark, a 2001 MLB All-Star, spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Detroit Tigers before stints with the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres. He had 1,188 career hits and 251 home runs as a player. Clark became the MLBPA's executive director in December 2013 after previously serving as the union's deputy executive director and acting executive director.

  • Tony Clark is expected to step down as MLBPA executive director in the coming weeks.
  • The current MLB collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026.

The players

Tony Clark

The executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) since 2013, who is now expected to step down from his position.

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What’s next

The MLBPA will need to appoint a new executive director to lead the union's negotiations with MLB over a new collective bargaining agreement before the current deal expires in December 2026.

The takeaway

Clark's departure comes at a critical time for the MLBPA as the union prepares to negotiate a new CBA with MLB. The investigation into alleged financial improprieties at the union also raises questions that will need to be addressed during the leadership transition.