MLBPA Selects Bruce Meyer as Interim Executive Director Following Tony Clark’s Resignation
– The Major League Baseball Players Association has unanimously elected Bruce Meyer as its interim executive director, following the abrupt resignation of Tony Clark on Tuesday. The move comes at a critical juncture for the MLBPA as players and owners approach the final year of their collective bargaining agreement and brace for potentially contentious negotiations.
Meyer, who previously served as the union’s deputy executive director, steps into the role as the MLBPA prepares for a possible lockout after the current CBA expires following the 2026 season. Owners are widely expected to push for a salary cap, a proposal players are likely to resist, raising the specter of a work stoppage.
The decision to elevate Meyer was made by the 72 players on the union’s executive board – 38 major leaguers and 34 minor leaguers – according to multiple reports. Matt Nussbaum was also appointed as interim deputy executive director, having previously served as the MLBPA’s general counsel.
Clark’s resignation followed an internal investigation that revealed an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who was hired by the union in 2023. The investigation was prompted by a federal inquiry into the MLBPA’s finances and governance.
Meyer has been with the MLBPA since , initially as Senior Director, Collective Bargaining & Legal. Prior to joining the MLBPA, he worked for the NHL Players’ Association from to as Senior Director of Collective Bargaining, Policy, and Legal. He also has experience with the NBA and NFL.
Meyer played a key role in negotiating the most recent collective bargaining agreement, which was reached in after a 99-day lockout. He also served as the lead negotiator for the union during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Just on a personal level I think we’re all fairly devastated by things that have happened in the last 48, 72 hours,” Meyer said earlier this week, according to the Associated Press. He added that the players determined it was time for a change in leadership, but declined to elaborate on his personal feelings regarding the situation.
The sudden leadership change comes as the MLBPA faces significant challenges. The expiring CBA and the owners’ potential push for a salary cap create a high-stakes environment. Players are bracing for a difficult negotiation and the possibility of a lockout, which could disrupt the sport.
Nussbaum, who has been with the MLBPA since , was promoted to General Counsel in . He has been involved in the last three rounds of collective bargaining negotiations with Major League Baseball.
Clark had been the executive director of the MLBPA since the end of . His resignation marks a significant shift for the union as it navigates a crucial period in its history.
