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NFL Referees Negotiations Continue Amid Possible Lockout Threat

12/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

The NFL's collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association will expire at the end of May 2026.
Negotiations have been ongoing since summer 2024, and no agreement has been reached.
Proposals include performance-based compensation, flexibility in postseason assignments, and an extended probationary period for new officials.
The NFL aims to improve officiating quality and faces a possible lockout like the 2012 dispute, and the next session is December 30.

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Story summary

The NFL's collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association will expire at the end of May 2026.
Negotiations have been ongoing since summer 2024, and no agreement has been reached.
Proposals include performance-based compensation, flexibility in postseason assignments, and an extended probationary period for new officials.
The NFL aims to improve officiating quality and faces a possible lockout like the 2012 dispute, and the next session is December 30.