NFL, NFLRA reach agreement on new CBA

TL;DR

The NFL and the Referees Association have agreed on a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement, effective until 2032. This deal aims to maintain officiating consistency and includes a reserve group of referees for underperforming officials.

Key points

NFL and Referees Association reached a new CBA
New contract runs through 2032
Includes a reserve group of referees
New training program for referees
Overwhelming vote in favor of the agreement

Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; NFL line judge Jeff Seeman (left) and referee Shawn Smith (14) discuss a call during the fourth quarter between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The National Football League and the league’s Referees Association have reached a new collective bargaining agreement that will maintain consistency with current officials on the gridiron each weekend and avoid the need for further “backup” referees. The current deal, which was set to expire on May 31, will be replaced by a new seven-year contract that runs through 2032. The development of an officials “bench” is undoubtedly one of the more critical results of the new CBA. The reserve group of refs will be turned to in any instance it is deemed that current acting officials are underperforming in any way from week to week. In addition to this act, a new training program is to be set in place as the league works toward allowing teams more access to the referees throughout the offseason. As the deal was ratified with an overwhelming vote in favor of the new programs, it is clear that everyone involved will benefit in some way, shape, or form as the persistence to improve the game continues.

Q&A

What are the key features of the new NFL CBA with referees?

The new CBA includes a reserve group of referees for underperforming officials and a new training program for better access to referees during the offseason.

When does the new NFL referees' CBA take effect and how long will it last?

The new CBA takes effect immediately and will last for seven years, running through 2032.

What was the reason for the NFL to create a reserve group of referees?

The reserve group of referees was established to ensure officiating consistency and to address any underperformance by current officials during games.