NFL, referees association ratify new 7-year CBA
Key takeaways
- The NFL Referees Association ratified a new 7-year collective bargaining agreement Friday with the NFL, concluding a multiyear negotiation and eliminating the possibility of a work stoppage prior to the 2026 season.
- The NFL will also develop a bench of officials and will have greater latitude to use performance metrics for postseason assignments rather than seniority.
- In a statement, NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said: "This agreement is a testament to the joint commitment of the league and union to invest in and improve officiating.
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The NFL Referees Association ratified a new 7-year collective bargaining agreement Friday with the NFL, concluding a multiyear negotiation and eliminating the possibility of a work stoppage prior to the 2026 season.
Full details of the agreement were not immediately available, but the NFL tied the negotiations into several initiatives for improving officiating and, according to sources, the league will get increased access to officials in the offseason for a formal training program during minicamps, training camps and joint practices. The NFL will also develop a bench of officials and will have greater latitude to use performance metrics for postseason assignments rather than seniority.
In a statement, NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said: "This agreement is a testament to the joint commitment of the league and union to invest in and improve officiating. It also speaks to the game officials' relentless pursuit of improvement and officiating excellence. We look forward to working together for the betterment of the game."