NFL and referees agree on a 7-year
collective bargaining agreement, avoiding potential work stoppage
[May 09, 2026]
By ROB MAADDI
The NFL and the NFL Referees Association agreed Friday on a new
seven-year collective bargaining agreement that avoids a potential
work stoppage and use of replacement officials.
The agreement, which was approved by the union's board of directors
and ratified by a vote of the membership, runs through the 2032 NFL
season.
“We see this new CBA as a partnership with the league that benefits
our membership but also seeks to make our game better. It is good to
get these negotiations behind us so we can focus on preparing for
the 2026 season,” union President Carl Cheffers said.
The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with the referees
association had been set to expire on May 31, and the two sides
began negotiating in the summer of 2024.
The league began the onboarding process for replacement officials
last month because negotiations weren’t progressing. But they won’t
be necessary.
The league and the union said in a joint statement that the deal
covers a wide range of issues including economics, performance and
accountability.
“This agreement is a testament to the joint commitment of the league
and union to invest in and improve officiating,” said Troy Vincent,
NFL executive vice president of football operations. “It also speaks
to the game officials’ relentless pursuit of improvement and
officiating excellence. We look forward to working together for the
betterment of the game.”
Detailed terms weren't released.
[to top of second column] |
A referee picks up a penalty flag during an NFL football game
between the Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday,
Dec. 15, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
The NFL had sought increased access to officials in
the offseason, a practice squad or bench of officials, a new formal
training program and control of playoff assignments based on
performance. A person with knowledge of the new deal told The
Associated Press those priorities were met in the agreement. The
person spoke on condition of anonymity because contract details
weren't publicized.
A stalemate in 2012 resulted in a 110-day lockout
and replacement referees were used.
That led to several high-profile mistakes, including the Fail Mary
when Russell Wilson completed a desperation pass to Golden Tate in
the closing seconds to lift Seattle over Green Bay in a Monday night
game. Tate pushed off so he should’ve been penalized for offensive
pass interference. He appeared to wrestle the ball away from a
Packers defender and was given credit for a catch even though two
officials had called it differently.
There weren’t as many glaring errors when the NFL also used
replacement officials for one week of exhibition games and the
opening week in 2001 before the labor dispute was resolved shortly
after 9/11, and the regular officials returned in time when the
season resumed following a one-week break.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
