NFL Referees to Vote on New Labor Deal

The National Football League and its referees union are on the verge of a new labor agreement that would prevent a work stoppage, with the NFL Referees Association scheduling a ratification vote this week.

Negotiations, which began in the summer of 2024, had reached a stalemate until recent progress, according to a person familiar with the discussions who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the talks. The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association expires on May 31.

Last month, the league initiated the onboarding of replacement officials amid slow progress in talks, signaling preparations for a potential disruption. NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Perry Fewell outlined this approach in an April memo to teams, stating the league remains committed to a fair and reasonable agreement but will be prepared if the current deal lapses.

The sticking points have centered on compensation. The NFL has raised its proposal to a 6.45 percent annual growth rate over a six-year term, according to two people familiar with the matter. The union has sought a 10 percent increase plus $2.5 million in marketing fees, those...