The new NFL league year is underway, and the NFL is already fielding a giant problem for the next season. Much like the Players Association, the NFL Referees also have a union (NFLRA) that negotiates a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the NFL. The NFL and the NFLRA are currently in negotiations to come to an agreement before the start of the 2026 season, however, the sides could not be farther apart. The current CBA is set to expire on May 31, 2026, with the NFL already taking precautions in the event of a stalemate.[1] If a deal is not reached, it would result in a lockout by the NFL.
Some sticking points of the negotiations include the NFLRA’s desire for salaries to be increased by 10% every year, which the NFL countered with 6.45% increases; the length of the dead period (the offseason time where teams do not hold practices); and potential additional training for officials who badly officiate a game.[2] The NFLRA is also opposed to the NFL’s proposed change of having the best performing referees getting assigned to the playoff games.[3]As it currently stands, the referees for the playoff games are determined by seniority.[4]
With so much contention in these negotiations, the NFL is already preparing for the possibility of a referee strike. The NFL has started to train replacement referees from the collegiate pool. The NFL is planning on hiring the replacements after the expiration of the CBA, and would train them over the summer.[5] This would allow for them to be brought up to speed on the differences between collegiate and professional football.[6] By doing this, the NFL is ensuring that football can be played in August. Should the deal expire, this option is worrisome for the NFLRA because the replacement referees are not part of their union, and as such, are not subject to their decisions.
Another potential issue for the NFLRA is the NFL’s commitment to hiring the replacement referees. The NFL announced a number of rule changes for the upcoming season, including rules that would go into effect with the use of replacement referees. In the case that the NFL uses replacement referees, the NFL has approved a rule change that allows for the NFL staff to review on field plays and adjust them in real time.[7] This rule change could be a negotiating tactic, but if there is a work stoppage and replacement referees are used, it would be a dramatic shift in how games are called. This rule change would also protect the integrity of the game, so long as the calls are made correctly.
A positive sign for the NFLRA is that negotiations are resuming this week, with one major change. The NFL, in an attempt to come to a deal, has decided to have owners participate in the negotiations.[8] This is a large change from the previous state of negotiations with the NFLRA stating that previous negotiators did not have the ability to negotiate on behalf of the NFL.[9] The owners participation in the negotiations is a positive sign for the NFLRA, and will hopefully assist both parties in coming to a deal. Only time will tell if this move will be successful.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7156933/2026/03/29/nfl-replacement-officials-preseason-games/
[2] https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-labor-dispute-with-refs-explained
[3] Id.
[4] Id.
[5] https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7156933/2026/03/29/nfl-replacement-officials-preseason-games/
[6] Id.
[7] https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48358865/plan-assist-replacement-refs-five-approved-nfl-rules
[8] https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-nfl-referees-association-resume-164542986.html
[9] Id.
Julia Hoffmann is a third year law student at the University of Buffalo School of Law. Originally from the West Coast, she has always had an interest in the cross section between the law and sports. Julia is a huge fan of hockey, and watches all things women's sports.
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