NFL Considers Replacement Referees Amid CBA Negotiations

League looking to hire 150 small college officials as backup plan if talks with referees union stall

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:19am

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The NFL is reportedly making plans to hire replacement referees, mostly from small college programs, in case the league and the NFL Referees Association fail to reach a new collective bargaining agreement before the 2026 season. The move brings back memories of the disastrous 2012 referee lockout, which led to controversial calls and widespread criticism from players, coaches, and fans.

Why it matters

The use of replacement referees could significantly impact the quality and integrity of NFL games, as was seen in 2012 when the league was forced to rely on inexperienced officials. This raises concerns about player safety, game-changing calls, and the overall fan experience.

The details

According to reports, the NFL is 'laying the groundwork' to hire around 150 mostly small college referees who would begin training as soon as this spring. They would continue training through the summer and make visits to NFL training camps before the regular season starts, in case a new CBA is not reached. The current CBA is set to expire at the end of May.

  • The current NFL Referees Association CBA is set to expire at the end of May 2026.
  • The NFL is reportedly looking to begin training potential replacement referees this spring 2026.

The players

NFL

The National Football League, the professional American football league.

NFL Referees Association

The labor union representing NFL game officials.

Brad Rogers

An NFL referee.

Scott Green

The executive director of the NFL Referees Association.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the NFL and its referees union, and the potential consequences of failing to reach a new CBA. The use of replacement referees could undermine the quality and integrity of the game, raising concerns about player safety, controversial calls, and the overall fan experience.