NFL Referees Sign 7‑Year CBA, Pay Hikes & Training
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- NFL Referees Association ratified a new 7‑year CBA with the NFL on Friday, ending a two‑year negotiation and averting a potential work stoppage before the 2026 season.
- NFL will gain expanded offseason access to officials for formal training during minicamps, training camps and joint practices, and will use performance metrics rather than seniority for postseason assignments.
- Officials will receive significant raises, with a 10 % increase in regular‑season game fees and up to a 30 % boost for Super Bowl work, while the probationary period remains three years.
- Troy Vincent, NFL executive VP of football operations, praised the agreement as a joint commitment to invest in and improve officiating.
- Scott Green, NFLRA executive director, highlighted the seven‑year certainty the deal provides for both league and officials.
Why it matters: Officials gain higher pay and structured offseason training, while the NFL secures a stable officiating workforce and can assign postseason crews based on performance, eliminating the risk of a work stoppage that would disrupt the 2026 season.
