Tony Clark, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, has reportedly resigned amid a swirl of controversies, including a federal investigation and internal union issues. 

The 53-year-old was reportedly under scrutiny by the Eastern District of New York over the use of licensing funds tied to One Team Partners, a multibillion-dollar group licensing company partially owned by the union.

In addition to the federal probe, an internal investigation found that Clark had an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who had been hired by the union in 2023.

With his departure, deputy executive director Bruce Meyer is seen by many players as the natural successor. Clark’s exit also comes just months before critical collective bargaining negotiations with MLB owners, who are expected to push for a salary cap and may lock out players, echoing the 99-day shutdown in 2021.

The timing raises questions about the 2027 season, as tensions over team spending and salary limits continue to grow. Clark’s resignation adds another layer of uncertainty for the union as it prepares to navigate federal scrutiny, internal turmoil, and potentially high-stakes CBA talks.