NFL Starts Onboarding Potential Replacement Referees

League prepares for possible labor dispute as CBA with officials nears expiration

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:37am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an NFL referee making a call, with the figure broken into overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and bright white.The NFL's preparations for potential replacement referees raise concerns about the integrity and quality of officiating in the upcoming season.Indianapolis Today

The NFL has begun the process of onboarding potential replacement referees, ESPN reported. This comes as the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the NFL Referees Association nears its expiration date on May 31. Several potential replacement officials have undergone background checks and are preparing for physical exams and training sessions starting in May.

Why it matters

The use of replacement referees is a contentious issue, as it can impact the quality and integrity of NFL games. In 2012, the league's use of replacement officials during a lockout led to widespread criticism and controversy. The league is hoping to avoid a similar situation this time around by proactively preparing potential replacements.

The details

According to ESPN, the NFL is looking to onboard around 150 potential replacement officials, with training sessions scheduled to begin around May 1. The league is also seeking feedback from teams on the performance of the replacement candidates as it finalizes the game official roster for training camp and preseason games.

  • The NFL Referees Association's CBA is set to expire on May 31, 2026.
  • Potential replacement officials will undergo background checks and physical exams in April 2026.
  • Training sessions for replacement officials are scheduled to begin around May 1, 2026.

The players

Perry Fewell

The NFL's senior vice president of officiating.

Pat McAfee

A former NFL player who played for the Indianapolis Colts during the 2012 season when the league used replacement officials.

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What they’re saying

“Throughout the process we will continue to solicit your feedback on the performance of the potential replacement officials as we finalize the game official roster for training camp and preseason games.”

— Perry Fewell, NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating

“Nope. We can't be doing that. Can't be doing that. What we need is these refs to understand that they're not perfect. We want them to adapt with the modern technology. We want them to be for the good of the game, not just for the good of each other. Come on refs. We need you. But, we also need you not to be ass in the biggest moments. We need you to care about the game. We need you to have a little bit of feel, and we need you to be committed to what ball is.”

— Pat McAfee

What’s next

If a new CBA is not reached by May 31, the replacement officials would work during OTAs and minicamps starting June 1.

The takeaway

The NFL's proactive approach to onboarding potential replacement officials highlights the league's concerns about a potential labor dispute with its regular referees. While the use of replacement officials has drawn criticism in the past, the league is hoping to avoid a similar situation by preparing in advance.