Preparing for a lockout? MLB players' union has over $400 million in war funds

The MLB collective bargaining agreement is set to expire at the end of this season. Many media sources anticipate difficult labor negotiations this year, with team owners potentially initiating another lockout, which could disrupt the following season. It has been reported that the MLB players' union has amassed more than $415 million in war funds for this purpose.

In the United States, labor unions with annual revenues of $250,000 or more must file an LM-2 form with the Department of Labor to report their financial status. According to the Associated Press, based on the MLB players' union's LM-2 form, their holdings in U.S. Treasury securities, cash, and other investments total $415 million.

These funds are intended to support player living expenses and legal battles in case the owners choose a lockout. Reports indicate that before the 2021 lockout, the MLB players' union's war fund was $171 million; it has now more than doubled.

The total assets of the MLB players' union increased from $353 million at the end of 2024 to $519 million at the end of 2025. Among these, highly liquid and low-risk U.S. Treasury securities grew from $85.3 million to $222 million. Part of this funding came from players agreeing to defer collective licensing fees starting in 2024, showing that preparations began well in advance.