Luckily for football fans around the country, the NFL probably won't have to use replacement refs at any point during the 2026 season.
Towards the end of the 2025 season, it was reported that a new collective bargaining agreement would need to be reached between the NFL and NFL Referees Association. The plot thickened when NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said training sessions for replacement refs woulds begin in May. He said the league's plan was to have their replacement refs ready to go for offseason practices in June.
Despite having replacement refs at the ready, Pelissero said the NFL is "committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement" with the officiating union. Well, he wasn't kidding.
The NFL Referees Association is expected to vote on a new collective bargaining agreement this Thursday evening. Its current deal with the NFL is set to expire on May 31. If a new CBA gets ratified tonight, that would officially put to rest any concerns about replacement refs.
Although the full details haven't been released yet, it's clear the NFL's offer was appealing enough for the NFL Referees Association to call a meeting.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Game officials huddle during the first half between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images) Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images
What is the NFL hoping to gain?
Before the league made progress in its negotiations with the NFL Referees Association, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that all 32 teams want more accountability when it comes to officiating.
"The effort has been pretty straightforward. I think we've been crystal clear, this is an opportunity for us to improve the state of our officiating. There needs to be accountability measures. There need to be performance measures. And that's what our negotiating posture has been," NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller said, via OutKick. "The owners were consistent in saying, ‘We're more than happy to pay for performance.' This was consistent throughout the course of discussions the last couple of days. What they're insistent upon – insistent upon – is that the performance of the officials and accountability for the performance has to improve."
ESPN's Kevin Seifert and Kalyn Kahler reported that owners want to "increase the probationary periods for new hires, minimize the use of seniority for the postseason and decrease the duration of official's 'dark period' after the season."
Time will tell if the league gets what it wants.
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