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NFL referees face salary negotiations and potential labor disputes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 6:13 PM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NFL referees face salary negotiations and potential labor disputes

Summary

As of June 2026, NFL referees are in a contentious negotiation over their salaries amid an expiring collective bargaining agreement. The NFL has proposed a six-year deal with a 6.45% annual salary increase, while the NFL Referees Association argues for a 10% annual raise. Currently, the average salary for NFL referees is approximately $350,000 per season, increasing from $205,000 in the previous agreement. The league is considering making officiating crew chiefs full-time employees, a move opposed by the referees due to potential loss of outside careers. A list of 150 to 200 potential replacement referees is also being compiled as a precaution.

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Status Watch

•NFL referees currently average around $350,000 per season.
•Negotiations center on a proposed 6.45% annual increase in salaries.
•The NFLRA demands a 10% annual increase for referees.
•League considering full-time status for crew chiefs amid disputes.
•List of potential replacement referees being compiled for negotiations.

Latest Updates

6:13 PMYahoo Sports — NFL Referee Salary: How much do NFL refs make in 2026?

What they're saying

"
Referees are among the most scrutinized workers in American sports. Every call is graded, every mistake amplified by millions of viewers, and job security depends entirely on performance. What the league pays these officials in exchange has long been a subject of curiosity, and the answer is more complex than a single number. What does …
— Yahoo Sports

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