The NFL might be heading into a lengthy battle with the NFL Referees Association this offseason.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter previously reported that the NFL and the NFL Referees Association's collective bargaining agreement is set to expire this spring. Schefter revealed Monday that a meeting was held by the league last week to discuss a new CBA with the referees. He said "frustration is mounting" after the referees wouldn't budge on their demands.
"The league has said in the past that it is is focused on changes that it believes will improve the performance of the on-field officials while the union wants to preserve the status quo or roll back in some cases the access the league has to work with the officials," Schefter said.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Kalyn Kahler provided an update from the NFL Referees Association. The union didn't just confirm there's been "little meaningful progress" in negotiations, they shifted some of the blame over to the NFL and the media.
"League negotiators have been communicating misleading & incomplete info to owners and media," the NFL Referees Association said.
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.
What changes does the NFL want?
Schefter reported a few months ago that year-round training and development for referees was something the NFL would want added to its next collective bargaining agreement.
The NFL ultimately wants to improve officiating's accessibility, flexibility and accountability over the next few seasons.
Eventually, something's gotta give for either the NFL or the NFL Referees Association. If we had to guess, the league will get its way.
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