Major League Baseball players have built a $519 million war chest ahead of upcoming collective bargaining negotiations, according to the union's annual federal disclosure form. The Major League Baseball Players Association's total assets grew from $353 million at the end of 2024 to $519 million by December 31, 2025, as the union prepares for labor talks that could lead to a work stoppage.

The union's cash reserves include $222.1 million in U.S. Treasury securities, $155.5 million in other investments, and $37.4 million in cash. The MLBPA has withheld 100% of licensing money due players for 2024 and 2025 to prepare for bargaining to replace the current labor contract, which expires on December 1. This strategy has allowed the union to accumulate significant resources that could be distributed to players during a potential work stoppage.

Union head Tony Clark, who resigned in February 2026, received $3.58 million as part of a $17.95 million, five-year contract. The union also paid $4.3 million in legal fees to Winston & Strawn, up from $2.8 million in 2024. With both the MLBPA and MLB accumulating cash ahead of negotiations, the stage is set for potentially contentious labor talks that could impact the 2026 season.