The NFL and the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) have reached a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), ensuring that replacement officials will not be used during the 2026 NFL season. The agreement was announced on Friday, well ahead of the May 31 expiration of the current CBA.
The new CBA extends through the 2032 season, marking a long-term commitment to officiating stability and improvement.
"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."
Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations, made the statement in support of the new deal.
While full details of the CBA have not yet been released, the NFL and NFLRA confirmed that the agreement addresses a broad range of issues, including economics, performance, and accountability.