NFL offers guaranteed training fees to potential replacement officials
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The NFL is actively recruiting replacement officials, with applications due by April 5 and an introductory in-person meeting scheduled for May 1-3, covering all expenses.
- Selected replacements will receive guaranteed fees for meetings and training from May through August, with payments ranging from $50,000 to $120,000 depending on their officiating background.
- Replacement officials will earn per-game fees of $2,500 for preseason, $4,000 for regular season, and $4,500 for postseason games.
- The NFL's financial commitment to training and guaranteed fees raises the stakes for reaching a deal with the NFL Referees Association before May 1.
- The increasing costs of hiring replacements may influence the league's negotiation stance, potentially making them more rigid on contract terms with current officials.
