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NFL Referees Vote to Secure Deal, Prevent Replacements

5/6/2026

Summary

NFL Ratifies Deal

The NFL and the NFL Referees Association scheduled a vote to ratify an agreement that expires on May 31, 2026, avoiding replacement officials this season.
The league offered a six-year deal with a 6.45% raise, averaging $385,000 in 2025.
Owners approved a rule for New York’s center to adjust calls if replacements are used.
The NFL Players Association and the NFL Referees Association warned that replacement referees could endanger safety.

Summary

NFL Onboards Refs

NFL began onboarding replacement officials amid unresolved talks.
Perry Fewell, officiating VP, memoed in April that the league is committed to an agreement as the CBA expires.
NFL Referees Association wants a 10% salary rise and $2.5 million fees; league offers a 6.45% growth rate.
Scott Green, NFLRA director, said numbers are inaccurate and compared the stalemate to 2012 lockout; Commissioner Roger Goodell said it stays focused on negotiations and ready.

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NFL Ratifies Deal

The NFL and the NFL Referees Association scheduled a vote to ratify an agreement that expires on May 31, 2026, avoiding replacement officials this season.
The league offered a six-year deal with a 6.45% raise, averaging $385,000 in 2025.
Owners approved a rule for New York’s center to adjust calls if replacements are used.
The NFL Players Association and the NFL Referees Association warned that replacement referees could endanger safety.

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