MLBPA and Tony Clark Bring in Legal Experts for Ongoing Investigation: What It Means for Players

Last week, a significant report from ESPN revealed that the MLB and NFL Players Associations are under federal investigation. This probe focuses on OneTeam Partners, a joint venture created by the players unions and a private equity firm. They deal with player likeness licensing, which is crucial for today’s sports marketing.

Importantly, the players themselves are not under investigation. The issue arose from an anonymous complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in late 2024. This complaint accused MLBPA executive director Tony Clark of improperly granting himself and other executives equity in OneTeam. The MLBPA has previously denied these allegations. To ensure compliance, the NFLPA even conducted its own audit after the complaint was filed.

Details about the investigation remain scarce. Notably, both Tony Clark and the MLBPA have secured separate legal representation. This is likely a precaution, given that the allegations could lead to a conflict of interest.

Clark has led the Players Association since 2013, navigating two rounds of collective bargaining. He is gearing up for another negotiation in 2026. Recently, he faced criticism from some players who sought to replace him with Harry Marino, a former advocate for minor leaguers.

This investigation sheds light on the ever-evolving landscape of labor relations in sports. As player movements and union negotiations become more complex, the importance of transparency increases. Recent statistics show that a growing number of players want clearer information about their unions and operations. Many are using social media to voice their opinions, reflecting a trend toward greater accountability in sports management.

As we wait for more details about the investigation, it’s vital to consider how these issues impact players and their unions. The conversation around transparency, equity, and accountability in sports is more relevant than ever. For more information, you can read the detailed report from ESPN here.

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