Atlanta Braves sued over star player’s $3.2 million loan default

A Florida lender is seeking payments from Ronald Acuña Jr.'s salary and commercial assets.(CN) — The Atlanta Braves are facing legal action over its star player’s refusal to repay a $3.2 million loan.According to a Florida lending company called 2412 Laguna Holdings LLC, Venezuelan outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. sought the loan in 2025 and had until July 16 to repay it.In the complaint filed in the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Miami Monday, the lender claims Acuña offered his payment rights under his MLB contract as collateral for the loan, among other things.The Braves are also named in the lawsuit for continuing to pay Acuña his salary rather than remitting his compensation directly to the lender after being notified of the default.A spokesperson for the Braves could not be immediately reached for comment on the litigation.Acuña purportedly granted the lender a security interest in all of his assets, including his rights to payment under a professional contract, endorsement and licensing income as well as commercial rights to his name, image and likeness.All of his assets were pledged, the lender says, including his present and future rights of payment under his player contract as collateral to secure repayment of the loan.According to the lender, Acuña signed a payroll authorization letter allowing the Braves to hand over all of his payroll information and paystubs.In 2019, at just 21 years old, Acuña became the youngest player in baseball history to sign a contract worth at least $100 million. The lender argues he has earned more than enough to satisfy the debt owed, which is $3.6 million total with interest.Acuña has played his entire MLB career for Atlanta, making his debut in 2018. He has won multiple awards, including the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player. Two of his brothers also play professionally: Luisangel for the Chicago White Sox and Bryan in the Minnesota Twins system.Since 2024, Acuña has been represented by Rimas Sports, a sports agency co-founded by the musician Bad Bunny, which has previously clashed with the MLB over improper loans.Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads