The NFL is preparing to hire and train replacement officials in the coming weeks as labor negotiations with the NFL Referees Association continue to stall. The league has been working on a new collective bargaining agreement since the summer of 2024, but the current deal expires on May 31. With no breakthrough in sight, the league is taking steps to avoid a potential officiating shortage when the season approaches.
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Two people familiar with the discussions said the league has increased its offer to a 6.45 percent annual compensation growth rate over a six‑year deal. The union is pushing for 10 percent plus additional marketing fees. NFLRA executive director Scott Green disputed the reported figures and said the situation resembles the 2012 stalemate that led to a 110‑day lockout and the use of replacement referees.
Union Pushes Back on League Proposals
The league wants postseason compensation tied to performance, ensuring only top‑graded officials share in the year‑end bonus pool. The NFL also wants more flexibility in assigning officials for playoff games. Green countered that several high‑performing officials worked championship games and the Super Bowl but earned less for those assignments than they did during the regular season.
The union also criticized the league for what it called misleading information. Green said NFL officials remain underpaid compared to their counterparts in baseball and basketball and lack the health care benefits provided to league employees at headquarters.
Full‑Time Officials Remain a Sticking Point
The NFL has offered to hire some full‑time officials, but the union is resisting without what it considers appropriate compensation and benefits. Green noted that previous CBAs allowed for full‑time roles and that the league experimented with such programs in 2017, 2019 and 2020 before abandoning them. He said the league could have implemented full‑time positions at any time under the current agreement.
Preparing for a Possible Repeat of 2012
In anticipation of potential replacement officials, the NFL competition committee has proposed a contingency that would allow the replay center in New York to advise on missed roughing the passer calls, intentional grounding and actions that would have resulted in ejections. Owners will vote on the proposal at this week’s annual meeting.
The league last used replacement officials during the first three weeks of the 2012 season. That stretch produced several high‑profile mistakes, including the infamous “Fail Mary” touchdown ruling. Green said no one in the league should want to relive that experience.
What Comes Next
With the CBA deadline approaching, both sides face pressure to avoid another officiating crisis. The NFL wants more control and flexibility. The union wants higher pay, better benefits and more transparency. If negotiations do not accelerate, the league may once again enter a season with replacement officials on the field
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