Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA)

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is a labor union that was created by Major League Baseball (MLB) players. There have been less formal versions of player’s unions in Major League Baseball since 1885.

The modern MLBPA, however, was created in 1966.

What Does the MLBPA Do?

The Major League Baseball Players Association provides many different services, including, but not limited to:

• Negotiating the terms of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Major League Baseball and players;
• Assisting players with grievances and salary arbitration;
• Ensuring and providing security and safety for Major League players;
• Monitoring and negotiating retirement and insurance benefits;
• Certifying, regulating, and educating player agents; and
• Serving as the group licensing agent for its players.

What Is Group Licensing?

If a company uses the likeness of the names of more than two Major League baseball players for a commercial use, then it must sign a licensing agreement with the MLBPA. This license grants the company the use of the player’s names or likenesses but not to any MLB team logos or marks.

Each of the players will receive a pro-rata share of licensing revenue regardless of the player’s status or popularity. Their share is determined by how many dates the player served in Major League Baseball.

How Much Are Union Dues?

Union dues for the Major League Baseball Players Association are $40 per day during the season. The season is a total of 183 days.

What Is a Labor Union?

A labor union is a group of workers that come together to negotiate on an equal basis with their management. Employers are likely more inclined to listen to issues of employees who are members of labor organizations because of their collective voice.

The Major League Baseball Players Association is an example of a labor union. The MLBPA union represents baseball players who are employed by Major League Baseball teams.

Although every player has the right to discuss contract details with their clubs, the MLBPA bargains with MLB to create collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). CBAs include many issues, such as:

• The minimum wage the player can be paid;
• The schedule for the season;
• The terms of free agency.

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is the law that provides protections to labor unions. It protects the rights of players or workers to have union representation.

It also prohibits employers from interfering with the decision of an employee to join a union.

What Is a Sports Lawyer?

A sports lawyer is a qualified legal professional who represents many parties, including:

• Athletes;
• Industry boards;
• Teams;
• Leagues;
• Other sports organizations.

A sports lawyer may also be referred to as a sports law attorney. These professionals handle various issues that may fall under a variety of practice areas. Sports lawyers commonly work at:

• Universities and educational institutions;
• Associations of amateur athletes;
• Associations of professional athletes;
• Solo legal practices;
• Large law companies or entertainment law firms;
• Offices that are virtual or shared.

Sports attorneys work in a variety of professions and handle many different issues. They work to preserve the legal rights and interests of individuals.

If an individual is a professional athlete, sports agent, team owner, or is otherwise involved in the sports industry, an individual may require the services of a sports lawyer at some point. Common situations in which an individual may need a sports attorney include, but are not limited to:

• Contract negotiations: If an individual is a professional athlete or a sports agent, they may need a sports lawyer to help an individual negotiate and review contracts with teams, sponsors, or other parties;
  • A sports lawyer can help an individual understand the terms of their contract, protect their interests, and ensure that they are getting a fair deal;
• Dispute resolution: If an individual is involved in a dispute related to sports, such as a breach of contract, a licensing issue, or an intellectual property dispute, they may need a sports lawyer to represent an individual during:
  • negotiations;
  • mediation;
  • litigation;
• Regulatory compliance: If an individual is a team owner, a league executive, or involved in any other aspect of sports management, they may need a sports lawyer to help them navigate the complex regulations that govern the sports industry;
  • A sports lawyer can help an individual understand the rules and regulations that apply to their situation and ensure that they are in compliance with those rules; and
• Personal injury: If an individual has suffered a personal injury as a result of participating in a sporting event, they may need a sports lawyer to help them recover damages from the responsible party;
  • A sports lawyer can help an individual file a claim, negotiate a settlement, or take their case to court.

Having a sports lawyer will help an individual ensure they do not make any legal errors. Their lawyer can help them manage their career, team, or organization.

In the U.S., attorneys are required to do numerous things to practice sports law, including:

• Complete three years of law school;
• Pass a bar exam;
• Pass a moral character and background check;
• Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE);
• Obtain continuing legal education credits (MCLE) each year; and
• Maintain malpractice insurance.

Sports lawyers handle the legal aspects of sports, which may include:

• Contracts;
• Intellectual property;
• Negotiations;
• Litigation;
• Other issues.

Attorneys must adhere to high ethical and professional standards. Breaking these obligations or rules may result in their disbarment or other penalties.

What Is a Sports Agent?

Sports agents, in contrast, represent an athlete’s career. A sports agent is not required to have a formal degree.

They are, however, required to:

• Be registered with the college or state where they want to represent and recruit professional athletes;
• Be registered with the players association in team sports, specifically the MLBPA, NBPA, NHLPA, MLSPA, and NFLPA.

Every player association has its own set of rules that apply to sports agents. There are some organizations, such as the NFLPA, that require agents to have a master’s degree, while others require agents to pass a collective bargaining agreement exam.

Typically, sports agents are required to pay a fee and apply for certification with an association and annual dues. There may also be other standards.

If a potential agent has any questions, they can visit the union website of the sport in which the potential agent wants to specialize. In order to negotiate contracts, any individual, including an attorney, is required to register with the players association and become a certified agent.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

If you have any issues, questions, or concerns related to Major League Baseball or the Major League Baseball Players Association, it is important to consult with an entertainment lawyer. ​​If you have a dispute with the MLB or MLBPA, your lawyer can help.

It is always best to consult with a lawyer before signing any type of contract or agreement. If you are a player, your lawyer can represent you during any negotiations and help ensure that your rights are protected.

If you are a team owner or other party who makes contracts with players, it is essential to have a lawyer review any contract a player is going to sign to ensure your rights are protected, and the contract is valid. If a player or team has any disputes that arise out of a contract, their lawyer can help resolve those issues either through negotiations or in court.