Overview
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn is reportedly leading a federal criminal investigation that has expanded to examine Players Way, the MLBPA’s youth-development company.
- Reporting says Players Way spent at least $3.9 million since 2019 while hosting few live events and generating only about six-figure revenue, with some sources claiming total outlays were closer to $10 million.
- Union filings indicate most reported spending flowed through Players Inc., while Fanatics contributed roughly $1.2 million from 2022 to 2024 and expressed confidence in the program’s aims.
- A whistleblower and former officials alleged self-dealing, nepotism, and a lack of budget transparency involving senior union leadership, claims the MLBPA and Tony Clark have denied as baseless.
- Investigators have questioned individuals about alleged extravagant travel by top union executives, and recent coverage notes a pickup in Players Way events during the ongoing probe.