NFL is seeking a practice squad of officials, wants to base postseason assignments on performance

The NFL is seeking to create a practice squad of officials and wants postseason assignments to be based on performance rather than seniority.

Those are among the key points league executive Troy Vincent emphasized to owners in a virtual meeting on Wednesday.

The league and the NFL Referees Association have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement since the summer of 2024. The current CBA expires on May 31, 2026.

So far, discussions with the game officials’ union have been unsuccessful, according to a memo that was sent to teams and obtained by The Associated Press.

“We strive for excellence in all aspects of the game, including officiating,” Vincent said. “Throughout the course of collective bargaining, the NFL has remained focused on implementing changes to the agreement