A federal investigation is examining whether executives at the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) misused funds generated by OneTeam Partners, a $2 billion licensing venture they co-founded.
At a Glance
- OneTeam Partners, launched in 2019 by the MLBPA and NFLPA, is under federal investigation for potential financial misconduct by union executives.
- MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark faces allegations of self-dealing and misuse of union resources.
- The FBI and Department of Labor have contacted MLB and NFL players involved in union leadership roles.
- OneTeam Partners is not accused of wrongdoing and is cooperating with authorities.
- The investigation coincides with critical labor negotiations for both MLB and NFL players.
Licensing Powerhouse Under Scrutiny
Founded in 2019 by the MLBPA, NFLPA, and RedBird Capital, OneTeam Partners was designed to monetize players’ collective licensing rights. The company swiftly grew into a dominant force in sports licensing, handling athlete group deals across trading cards, video games, and merchandise. By 2022, it was valued at nearly $2 billion, and had become a major revenue source for both unions.
According to union filings, the NFLPA earned $422.8 million through OneTeam between 2020 and 2025, while the MLBPA pulled in $44.5 million in 2024 alone. Despite these gains, federal agents are now investigating whether some of that revenue was mishandled by union officials.
Watch a report: FBI Investigation into MLBPA and NFLPA’s Licensing Firm.
Allegations and Union Responses
At the center of the probe is MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark, who faces allegations of awarding himself and other executives improper equity stakes in OneTeam. A complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board in late 2024 also accuses Clark of nepotism and misusing union funds. The MLBPA has denied wrongdoing but retained outside counsel in response to Justice Department inquiries.
The FBI and Department of Labor have reached out to several current and former player leaders in both leagues, though none are reported to be under investigation. OneTeam Partners itself has not been accused of misconduct and is said to be cooperating fully with authorities.
Implications for Labor Negotiations
The timing of the probe is significant. The NFLPA is entering negotiations with the NFL over potentially expanding the regular season to 18 games. In MLB, the current collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2026 season, and owners are expected to seek cost reductions and structural reforms.
These talks will test the unions’ financial and political strength—strength largely fueled by OneTeam’s success. If the investigation undermines leadership credibility or disrupts revenue streams, it could reshape the leverage both unions bring to the table.
For now, the case casts a long shadow over two of the most powerful labor organizations in professional sports, raising critical questions about transparency, governance, and fiduciary duty at the highest levels.
