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The NFLPA Is 'Closely Monitoring' The Officiating Situation

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 12:28 PM ET

The NFL is holding the line against the NFL referees union as they battle over a new labor deal. But while the league may be content to move forward without their top officials, the NFL players union is less thrilled by the prospect.

In a new statement, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) stated that they are "closely monitoring the situation" between the NFL and the referees union.

“This is not just a labor issue between the league and officials,” the NFLPA said via ProFootballTalk. “This directly impacts the working conditions of our player members. We are closely monitoring the situation.”

The NFLPA is "closely monitoring" the labor fight between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association. https://t.co/jrXt8fH1A4
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 26, 2026

NFLPA Support

Newly-appointed NFLPA executive director JC Tretter has already pledged to make one of his first priorities finding out how to get a gauge on the state of negotiations.

“I’m going to talk to the refs’ union,” Tretter said. “I’ll talk to [Commissioner] Roger [Goodell], too. I’ve got to get an understanding and background information of what’s going on. They’re in negotiations now, so that’ll take time.”

Tretter has made it clear that he supports unions "getting what they deserve" and wants to ensure that the referees are treated fairly.

"We support unions getting what they deserve,” Tretter said. “We want to make sure the refs get taken care of and are treated fairly. We stand with all the other unions that are fighting in collective bargaining. So we would love to help them in any way possible.”

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 22: Center JC Tretter #64 of the Cleveland Browns watches from the sidelines during the second half against the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 17-13. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

NFL fans might not be as supportive as Tretter and the NFLPA though. Many NFL fans already despise unions on principle and hate referees just as much. There's really not going to be much sympathy for the referees from a large contingent of fans.

But by the same token, things have to change in order for things to improve. And the only entities with the power to enact change right now are the unions.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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