Federal investigators are looking into Players Way, a youth baseball company linked to the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The union reportedly invested around $3.9 million in the organization since its start in 2019, but sources suggest that the total could be closer to $10 million. Yet, Players Way has barely made six figures in revenue.
Many funds went to the salaries of executives, including former major leaguers who often had other jobs. A former union official described the financial operations of Players Way as a “black box.” The scrutiny intensified following an anonymous whistleblower complaint last year. Allegations included misuse of resources by MLBPA executive director Tony Clark, who was accused of nepotism and self-dealing. The MLBPA has denied any wrongdoing.
Tony Clark promoted Players Way as a solution to the problems affecting youth baseball, emphasizing its mission to guide young athletes. He stated, “Our goal isn’t to just join the youth sports machinery but to uplift players and foster lifelong fans.” However, many in the union have expressed concern about the spending and lack of clear goals for the organization.
Interestingly, union revenues have risen recently, largely due to a new group-licensing venture, OneTeam Partners, which the MLBPA co-founded. However, by summer 2023, investigators expanded their focus to include Players Way amidst rising concerns about additional expenditures related to Clark’s travel and other alleged lavish spending. Some players voiced their frustrations over wasted funds.
Players Way hosted only a handful of events, aiming to serve young players. Despite the investment, attendance has been sparse. For comparison, the company has organized fewer than 500 attendees for various events, and even a recent tournament arranged by a major league player had limited participation.
As the investigation unfolds, others within the MLBPA are urging for accountability. For instance, one player leader expressed that “waste is waste,” no matter how much the union has made.
Furthermore, Players Way seems to lack a solid business framework. Multiple former officials reported that the organization operated without standard accounting practices. As one put it, “It’s unclear who was actually running it.”
In a more recent development, Clark has stated that the initiative is vital to combatting exploitation within youth sports. However, as union officials emphasize progress, the future of Players Way remains uncertain. With a goal of revitalizing youth baseball, only time will tell whether the investment will translate into tangible growth and success for young players.
For more insight into youth sports issues and the financial dynamics at play, check out this comprehensive report by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
