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NFLNFLRA Talks Collapse as League Preps Replacement Refs

The league’s fallback plans raise stakes for accuracy and player safety.

Overview

  • Negotiations ended Wednesday after only a morning session, halting CBA talks that are set to lapse on May 31.
  • The NFL has begun vetting college officials as potential replacements for 2026 games if no deal is reached.
  • Owners will consider a one‑year change that lets the New York command center provide broader replay help to support less‑experienced crews.
  • The league’s offer raises regular‑season game fees by about 10%, boosts Super Bowl assignments by up to 30%, redirects bonuses to higher‑graded officials, and extends the probation period for new hires while seeking more off‑season training time.
  • Both sides dispute the breakdown, with NFLRA chief Scott Green saying the league’s negotiators lacked authority to move off their offer, while a league source says the union would not engage on performance reforms.