NFL Prepares for Potential Official Shortage, Initiates Replacement Hiring Process
The NFL is actively preparing for a potential labor dispute with its referees by initiating a hiring process for replacement officials. The league has begun background checks and plans training sessions in May, should a new collective bargaining agreement not be reached by the May 31, 2026 deadline.
Disagreements persist over structural changes and playoff assignments, despite ongoing productive negotiations that include high-profile owners.