NFL, Referees Association Close to New Deal

After a lengthy stalemate, negotiations between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association have reached a critical point where the union is preparing to hold a ratification vote, a person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press.

The current collective bargaining agreement expires on May 31. The league has offered a 6.45% annual growth rate in compensation over six years, while the NFLRA seeks 10% plus $2.5 million for marketing fees. This situation resembles 2012 when a stalemate resulted in a 110-day lockout and replacement officials were used. tbzikra.com