NFL, Referees Near New Deal, Avoiding Lockout

The NFL and the NFL Referees Association are moving toward a new collective bargaining agreement, with a ratification vote expected this week, sources say. The league’s current deal expires on May 31, and negotiations have stalled since last summer. The NFL offered a 6.45% annual raise over six years, while the union seeks 10% plus $2.5 million in marketing fees. Both sides claim the other’s figures are inaccurate, but talks have resumed after last month’s onboarding of replacement officials. sportnewz.click