For some time now, the fronts between the NFL and the referees’ union NFLRA have been hardened. The league is already preparing to train replacement referees. Now the two parties are to resume talks with each other.

The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFLRA expires on May 31. It is not yet clear what will happen after that. In addition to salaries, the two parties are said to disagree on the additional requirements for referees in the event of weaker performances.

The NFL reacted early to the ongoing collective bargaining strike and plans to start training replacement referees on May 1. However, it now looks as though an agreement between the league and the union could be reached after all.

NFL: Record-breaking salary increases planned

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that the NFL and the NFLRA are to resume negotiations on a new collective agreement this week. In doing so, the league association is said to consist of several NFL owners who oversee labor relations and the game operations themselves, as well as the Executive Committee of the Management Council and the Competition Committee.

The NFL’s priorities, according to the agreement, would continue to be investment – with reportedly record salary increases – as well as accountability and performance in refereeing. Whether both sides reach an agreement in the talks remains to be seen.

Written by Max