NFL and the NFL Referees Association are moving closer toward a new deal, AP source says
TL;DR
The NFL and the NFL Referees Association are nearing a new agreement to prevent a work stoppage, with a ratification vote planned this week. Negotiations have progressed after a lengthy stalemate.
Key points
- NFL and referees nearing a new agreement
- Ratification vote planned for this week
- Negotiations progressed after a stalemate
- Replacement officials were being onboarded
- Conversations about the deal are private
Mentioned in this story
The NFL and its officials are moving closer toward a new agreement that avoids a work stoppage.
After a lengthy stalemate, negotiations have reached a point where the NFL Referees Association is planning to have a ratification vote this week, a person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the conversations are private. ESPN first reported the development.
Last month, the league began the onboarding process for replacement officials because negotiations weren’t progressing.
The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association is set to expire on May 31.
The league and the union have been negotiating a new CBA since the summer of 2024.
“The league remains committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement with the NFLRA but will be prepared in the event the NFLRA permits the current agreement to expire,” NFL senior vice president of officiating Perry Fewell said in a memo sent to teams in April.
The NFL has increased its offer to a 6.45% annual growth rate in compensation over a six-year labor deal, but the NFLRA wants 10% plus $2.5 million for marketing fees, two AP sources said in March.
NFLRA executive director Scott Green told the AP “those numbers are not accurate.” At the time, he said negotiations with the league were similar to 2012 when a stalemate resulted in a 110-day lockout and replacement referees were used.
“We’re taking the appropriate steps to be ready, but we’re also keenly focused on negotiations,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said on March 31.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Q&A
What is the current status of NFL referee negotiations?
The NFL and the NFL Referees Association are close to finalizing a new agreement, with a ratification vote scheduled for this week.
Why did the NFL start onboarding replacement referees?
The NFL began onboarding replacement referees last month due to a lack of progress in negotiations with the referees' association.
What could happen if the NFL and referees do not reach an agreement?
If an agreement is not reached, it could lead to a work stoppage affecting NFL games.