The MLBPA has struck a multiyear partnership with Pittsburgh-based nutritional supplement producer Klean Athlete in a deal that will create the first-ever, union-endorsed line of supplements. The agreement marks a further step in the union’s advocacy for helping players find fully approved substances. Klean Athlete’s products have received certification from NSF Int'l, a process that involved stringent reviews of the company’s products and manufacturing processes. The deal, roughly two years in development, will see the union endorse Klean Athlete to its member players as entirely devoid of banned substances. As a result, the agreement is more focused on servicing MLB players, but Klean Athlete also operates direct consumer sales. Financial terms were not disclosed. MLBPA Dir of Business Affairs Tim Slavin said the deal is "very unlike any other category in our business, as there is obviously zero margin for error for us” in terms of risking positive player drug tests. Slavin: “But we are very excited because this is a first-class company.” Klean Athlete’s products are focused more on wellness and nutritional aid as opposed to performance boosts. “We’re not really about higher and faster, but more about the holistic heath of the athlete,” said Klean Athlete Senior VP/Sales & Marketing Tim Monk. The MLBPA-Klean Athlete deal is not exclusive, but Slavin said the union is not currently focused on aligning with other supplement companies. Klean Athlete also sells products to various NHL and NFL teams, and is active in other sports, but had not previously struck a deal on a scale of its alignment with the MLBPA.
