NFL to hire replacement refs amid labor dispute

The NFL is planning to hire replacement referees this spring due to their ongoing labor dispute with the NFLRA according to reports. Tom Pelissero was on it first. The NFL plans to begin hiring replacement officials before the May 31 expiration of its labor deal and deploy them in training camps to have them ready if no agreement is struck with the NFLRA.

As one source said today: “Our direction (from owners) is not to be unprepared. ” pic. twitter.

com/XNDv5d8om4 — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 30, 2026 The last time this happened in 2012, the beginning of the league’s season was marred by controversial calls, which Seattle Seahawks fans should remember all too well. The infamous “Fail Mary” game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle, which was broadcast nationally on Monday Night Football, took over the headlines surrounding the league. That was Week 3 of that season, and after that nationally televised game and controversial call became the main story in the league, the NFL quickly moved to get their top of the line officials back.

CBS Sports reported that the league is also looking to have their centralized officiating command center “weigh in” on calls in real time, which one can only imagine the possible perception of. This will be a tough spot for the NFL. They and their referees are at a standstill, but both sides clearly feel it’s worth taking to this point.