MLBPA votes to keep Clark, extends executive director through 2027

Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association Tony Clark listens during a news conference at the Press Club in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Major League Baseball Players Association has voted to extend the contract of executive director Tony Clark through 2027.

The 50-year-old Clark — who had a 15-year big league career, mostly with the Tigers and Diamondbacks — helped broker the players’ current labor deal with MLB. After several contentious months of negotiations, the MLBPA and MLB agreed to the new deal in March, which saved a full 162-game season.

The MLBPA confirmed Clark’s extension on Tuesday.

The five-year extension means Clark is in position to lead the players through their next deal, too. The current contract is set to expire after the 2026 season.

Clark has had a busy last few years, helping guide the players through the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. He also helped the union add thousands of more players after the minor leagues voted to join the MLBPA earlier this year.

The Athletic first reported the news of Clark’s extension.

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