NFL, Referees Association Reach 7-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement

The NFL announced Saturday it reached a seven-year collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association that will run through May 31, 2026.

The current CBA had been set to expire in May 2020.

With the NFL and NFLRA coming to terms, it ensures there won't be a repeat of the 2012 referee lockout in the near future. As a result of the 2012 lockout, replacement officials were used for the first three weeks of the regular season.

NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent said the following regarding the new deal:

"This agreement solidifies the working partnership between the league and officials toward the common goal of developing and training the best officials in the world. We will continue working together to provide fans, players and coaches with officiating performance that meets the highest standards demanded by the game."

NFLRA President Tony Steratore also commented on the agreement:

"We see this new CBA as a partnership with the league that benefits our membership but also seeks to make our game better. We all must keep pace with the speed and skill of the players, not to mention the increased use of technology. It is good to get these negotiations behind us."

NFL referees have more on their plates this season than ever before because of the ability to challenge pass interference penalties after an egregious non-call on cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman in last season's NFC Championship Game helped the Los Angeles Rams beat the New Orleans Saints and advance to the Super Bowl.

They were also asked to crack down on holding penalties this season, although holding calls dropped significantly last week after a conference call with NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Al Riveron, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert.

With the referees now under contract, the next focus for the NFL will be a new CBA with the players, as the current one is set to expire after the 2020 season.