Uncovering the Investigation: FBI Probes MLB Players Association’s Business Partnership

FBI agents are reaching out to Major League Baseball players about financial dealings tied to OneTeam Partners, a company created by the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) alongside investment firm RedBird Capital. This collaboration has aimed to enhance athletes’ earnings from their names and images.

Sources indicate that players involved in union leadership have been contacted, but they are not targets of the investigation. Discussions have revolved around the financial operations of OneTeam, which started in 2019. In a public statement, OneTeam reassured that it is not under investigation and is cooperating fully.

While the MLBPA confirmed it has not been approached by federal agents, they noted their readiness to assist if contacted. The investigation is centered in the Eastern District of New York, which includes Brooklyn.

The OneTeam partnership has been a major success financially. Valued at $1.9 billion in 2022, it has expanded to include various athletes from sports like women’s basketball and soccer. Its financial impact on the MLBPA has been significant, with the organization receiving nearly $160 million between 2020 and 2024.

However, scrutiny of this partnership is not new. In late 2024, an anonymous complaint accused the MLBPA of unfair labor practices, claiming mismanagement and conflicts of interest regarding union leaders. As part of this, there were allegations that MLBPA executive director Tony Clark had improperly allocated equity in OneTeam and failed to disclose essential information about the partnership.

Clark succeeded Michael Weiner in 2013 after Weiner’s passing. Under Clark’s leadership, the MLBPA’s finances have improved markedly, with total assets reaching over $353 million, the highest in its history. In 2024, Clark earned $3.5 million, as per the MLBPA’s financial filings.

An audit by the NFLPA regarding OneTeam, completed in March, reported that everything was compliant with governance best practices. Over the past five years, OneTeam has paid the NFLPA $422.8 million, and the union’s assets are estimated close to $1.4 billion.

The conversation around OneTeam highlights the growing emphasis on collective bargaining within sports. Athletes are leaning into opportunities that offer them more financial stability and visibility in their careers. This trend isn’t just about profits—it also reflects a shift towards greater representation and power for players in negotiations.

For further reading on athlete partnerships and economic impact, you can check credible sources like the National Labor Relations Board and financial analyses on athlete endorsements.

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