NBA Referee Salary - How to Become an NBA Referee

NBA referee salary

While most of the headlines surrounding money in professional sports have to do with the players, everyone who’s a part of the game is getting paid – including the referees.

Considering the crazy travel schedules, the high level of stress and concentration, and the millions of eyes that are on them every single night, NBA ref salary levels don’t seem out of place.

But just how much is an NBA referee salary? It’s certainly less than the highest paid NBA coaches.

Here, we answer that question and take a deep dive into the world of NBA officiating.

How Much Does an NBA Ref Make?

It’s estimated that first-year officials could be paid as low as $600 a game. However, senior officials can be expected to be paid an average of as much as $7,000 a game, and an NBA ref salary up to $550,000 a year.

This doesn’t take into account the obvious bonuses of being in the NBA, travel reimbursement, free tickets, healthcare, and other benefits.

Unfortunately for the officials, when you compare an NBA referee salary to what the highest paid NBA player gets, or even the minimum contract, it’s not even close.

However, the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) ratified a seven-year contract with the NBA in September 2022 and the details of their agreement are not known.

In short, like most careers, NBA officials are paid based on their seniority, performance, and position on the court.

NBA Ref Salary: Playoffs

Referees can also make a pretty penny if they are chosen to work playoff games, with new officials expected to bring in anywhere from $800 to $5,000 for each postseason game.

Veteran officials have reportedly made much more. Bringing in an estimated amount between $9,000 for opening-round playoff games and $29,000 for each conference final and NBA finals game.

Who is the Highest-Paid Referee in the NBA?

how to become an nba referee — James Capers – Image: NBA

While it’s impossible to know the exact highest-paid referees in the NBA due to the NBRA and NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, we can assume that the highest-paid officials are all making roughly the same for each game they officiate.

Here are the referees we believe are making $550,000 or more per year:

James Capers
Sean Corbin
Tony Brothers
Rodney Mott
Scott Foster
Pat Fraher
Tom Washington
Marc Davis

How to Become an NBA Referee

If you want to become an NBA referee and earn that juicy NBA ref salary, you can start taking the first steps today.

Be aware, that a tiny fraction of refs ever get to the elite level and you won’t be able to wager on games at the best NBA betting sites, as Tim Donaghy found out in 2007.

Beginners

You must have a high school diploma and previous basketball playing experience is very much preferred.

First and foremost, you have to know the fundamentals of basketball.
Knowing the NBA rulebook and the FIBA guidelines inside-and-out are paramount for success.
After that, you have to start locally by volunteering as a youth basketball referee and undergoing training.

Taking the Next Step

You’ll have to work on youth basketball and document your experience game-by-game before eventually moving up to a high-school referee following the passing of an NFHS exam.

You will also have to join either the IAABO (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials) and/or your local referee chapter to have access to training material, workshops, and job boards.

Becoming an Elite Official

Then, you’ll need to pass several exams and gain a top reputation before you’re able to start working at the collegiate or international level (FIBA).

If you’re crushing it as a referee at the collegiate level and getting promoted to work March Madness games, there’s little doubt that you’ll be on the NBA’s radar.

You’ll have to impress scouts and/or work some networking magic in order to get a chance.

Making the NBA

Should you get that chance, you’ll have to undergo rigorous training and testing. This will include deep background checks, psychological tests, and several game scenarios to test your abilities under pressure.

If you’re able to impress those people, you’ll be invited to an NBA Officiating Camp.
There, refereeing hopefuls undergo further training and attend seminars, so they know how to deal with backlash and other situations.
If you’re lucky enough to be offered a contract, sign your deal and get a fresh whistle!

Staying in the NBA

Getting to the NBA is just half the battle. You have to stay there.

After each game, the NBA conducts a thorough review of referee performance by the Referee Operations Department.

It provides transparency and feedback that could influence their future assignments and salary bonuses.

Each referee is ranked annually based on their performance. This ranking determines which referees get the opportunity to officiate playoff games and, ultimately, the NBA Finals, where higher pay is involved.

If you’re consistently poor, you will no longer work in the NBA.

NBA Ref Salary: Verdict

Being a referee is not an easy career, but the NBA referee salary is extremely rewarding should you be fortunate enough to secure a contract.

There are some referees that have been in the league for the better part of four decades thanks to their consistency and hard work.

If you believe that you have what it takes, we highly recommend going for it. You’ll be making a difference in your community in the short-term and become a leader and professional in the long-term.