### Tatis Jr. Takes Legal Action Against Big League Advance for Alleged Exploitation San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. has initiated a lawsuit against Big League Advance (BLA) Fund and Big League Advantage LLC, claiming that the company engaged in "exploitative, predatory business practices." The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, seeks to void a contract Tatis signed as a minor leaguer in 2017, which obligates him to pay BLA a significant portion of his future earnings, potentially amounting to $34 million following his lucrative 14-year, $340 million contract with the Padres in 2021. Tatis alleges that BLA misrepresented itself and used deceptive tactics to lure him into what he describes as an illegal loan disguised as an investment deal, particularly targeting young athletes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds [https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-fernando-tatis-jr-sues-big-league-advance-exploitative-predatory-claims][https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2025/06/padres-star-sues-big-league-advance-in-attempt-to-get-out-of-future-earnings-deal.html]. ### Breakdown of the Lawsuit's Claims and Structure 1. **Background of the Contract**: - Tatis signed a deal with BLA in 2017 at the age of 17, receiving $2 million in exchange for 10% of his future earnings. - The contract's terms could result in Tatis owing BLA approximately $34 million after his recent contract with the Padres [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/padres_fernando_tatis_jr_sues_to_void_future_earnings_deal/s1_17044_42367325]. 2. **Allegations Against BLA**: - The lawsuit accuses BLA of using predatory tactics and misrepresenting its status as an unlicensed lender. - Tatis's legal team argues that the terms of the deal violate California's consumer protection laws [https://www.whec.com/ap-top-news/padres-star-tatis-sues-big-league-advance-in-attempt-to-get-out-of-future-earnings-deal]. 3. **Public Interest and Future Implications**: - Tatis aims to seek public injunctive relief to protect other young athletes from similar exploitative practices. - He emphasizes that his fight is not just for himself but for all young athletes pursuing their dreams [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/fernando_tatis_jr_files_lawsuit_to_void_exploitative_business_deal/s1_127_42366521]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contractual Obligations**: - Tatis's contract with BLA could lead to a financial obligation of **$34 million** based on his future earnings from his MLB contract [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/padres_fernando_tatis_jr_sues_to_void_future_earnings_deal/s1_17044_42367325]. - **Legal Framework**: - The lawsuit cites violations of California's consumer protection laws, which are designed to prevent predatory lending practices [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-06-23/padres-star-tatis-sues-big-league-advance-in-attempt-to-get-out-of-future-earnings-deal]. ### Conclusion: Tatis Jr.'s Legal Battle and Its Implications **Fernando Tatis Jr. is challenging Big League Advance's business practices, aiming to void a contract that could cost him millions.** The lawsuit highlights significant issues regarding the treatment of young athletes, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 1. **Background**: Tatis signed a deal with BLA at 17, which he now claims is exploitative. 2. **Allegations**: BLA is accused of predatory tactics and misrepresentation. 3. **Public Interest**: Tatis seeks to protect future athletes from similar exploitation. This case could set a precedent for how financial agreements with young athletes are structured and regulated in the future [https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/fernando-tatis-jr-sues-big-league-advance-hopes-to-void-future-earnings-deal/3854519][https://www.cbs8.com/article/sports/mlb/padres/fernando-tatis-jr-sues-over-lending-scheme-he-was-caught-up-in-before-joining-the-majors/509-89c63d31-70a9-49ab-809a-3acd11e6b605].