MLBPA increases war chest to $415M ahead of possible lockout

Key Points:

• The MLB Players Association has amassed a $415 million war chest in U.S. Treasury securities, cash, and investments by the end of 2025, more than double the $171 million it had before the 2021 collective bargaining negotiations, preparing for a potential extended lockout when the current agreement expires on Dec. 1.
• The union shifted a significant portion of its cash reserves into low-risk U.S. Treasury securities, increasing investments in Treasuries from $85.3 million to $222.1 million, while total assets rose to $519 million from $353 million at the end of 2024.
• Lobbying expenditures nearly doubled in 2025 to $788,486 as the union prepares for possible prolonged work stoppages and increased legislative scrutiny, with two firms retained monthly to address issues including sports betting and name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations.
• Former MLBPA executive director Tony Clark earned $3.58 million in 2025 before resigning amid an internal inquiry, while interim director Bruce Meyer received $1.56 million; meanwhile, Fanatics remained the union’s largest revenue source, increasing revenue to $106.4 million.
• The youth baseball initiative Players Way, owned by the MLBPA and under investigation for its financial practices, has ceased operations following scrutiny over its spending and limited event offerings.