NFL Referee Interference

NFL to begin hiring replacement referees

NFL authorized to hire replacement referees as threat of NFLRA lockout intensifies

With the threat of a referees lockout becoming more perilous by the day, the NFL continues to move forward with hiring and training replacement referees for use during the 2026 season.

Opinion

Niners Nation on MSN · 7h

Report: NFL is moving forward with hiring replacement refs

· 11h · on MSN

NFL to begin hiring, training replacement officials as potential ref lockout nears

· 1d

NFL Reportedly Ready to Hire Replacement Refs, Latest on NFLRA CBA Talks Ahead of Looming Deadline

Replacement referees could be coming back to the NFL.

· 1d

Replacement Officials, Kickoffs and Other Rule Changes Will Be Discussed at NFL's Annual Meeting

· 5h

Renck: NFL using replacement refs will penalize players, fans

11hon MSN

NFL prepares for possible replacement referees amid contract negotiations

The league is at an impasse with the referee union ahead of the CBA end date, and games during the 2026 season could be affected without change.

12h

Key questions about the NFL’s labor dispute with its referees and how it could impact games

If a new collective bargaining agreement isn’t reached, the NFL plans to begin hiring replacement refs as soon as May.

6don MSN

Competition Committee proposes expanded league officials' assistance if the event of NFLRA work stoppage

The league is looking at a contingency plan to prevent egregious officiating errors if the NFL ends up with replacement officials to start the 2026 season.

Covers

Super Bowl 2026 Referees: How Shawn Smith’s Crew Could Shape Seahawks vs. Patriots

Shawn Smith lets games flow, but his crew’s tendency to call defensive pass interference could loom large in Seahawks vs. Patriots. Super Bowl bettors have spent weeks breaking down the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, searching for any edge ...

NFL proposes rule to assist possible replacement officials for 2026 season

If a new deal is not reached with the NFLRA by season kickoff in September, the NFL would have to resort to hiring replacement officials.