sports

NFL Owners Join CBA Talks With Referees

NFL owners on the Management Council Executive Committee have joined the league’s delegation to negotiate a new CBA with the NFL Referees Association. The move follows a collapse of a prior session and a widening gap over compensation and benefits.

The NFL and NFLRA resumed negotiations this week with several owners now part of the bargaining delegation, hoping to bring real decision‑making power to the table. The league offers about 6.45% annual wage growth over six years, while the NFLRA seeks over 10% plus $2.5 million in marketing fees and better healthcare. The talks remain stalled, but the presence of owners may help bridge the gap. Replacement officials are being recruited as a contingency, sparking criticism from the NFLPA.