Do you know the NBA referees salary? For the first time, we are here to reveal the NBA referees’ salaries and know what is the current NBA referee salary structure. According to the most recent estimates, NBA referees earn between $180,000 and $550,000 per year. According to other projections, the starting salary for new referees will be around $250,000.
Referee salaries are now almost 10x more than they were in the 1980s when they ran from $18,000 to $80,000 per season. According to reports, the referee’s annual remuneration was from $72,000 to $177,000 in 1994. The referee’s salaries have increased exponentially, even when looking back a decade. NBA referee compensation started at $91,000 in 2009.
A new collective bargaining deal between the NBA and the National Basketball Referees Association was reached, and it will be in effect through the summer of 2028-29. According to league policy, the specifics of the new contract won’t be made public.
Entry-level NBA referees are at the lowest end of the spectrum and earn more money as they advance in the league. According to official reports by NBA.com, referees get paid up to $30,000 for every game during the NBA Finals.
Here’s the NBA Referees Salary Breakdown: How much do NBA refs get paid?
NBA Referee Salary Overview
An NBA referee’s salary is determined by seniority as well as performance. Each NBA referee’s salary varies, but a few referees earn up to $7,000 per game and $30,000 for each semifinal and NBA Finals game.
- The starting salary for an entry-level referee is $600 per game or about $250,000 per year.
- Seasoned or professional referees can earn up to $550,000 per year or $3,500 per game.
- If a match official is able to land a playoff game, they can earn between $800 to $5,000 per postseason game.
NBA Referees Salary Chart Overview:
| Categories | Per Match Fees | Play-Off Season Match Fees | Yearly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional NBA Referees | $7,000 | $9,000 up to $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Entry Level NBA Referees | $600-3,500 | NA | $250,000 |
| Women NBA Referees | $450-500 | NA | $16,000 |
Who is the highest paid referee in the NBA? – 2022-23
| Match Officials | Per Match Fees | Play-Off Season Match Fees | Semifinals and Final Match Fees | Yearly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Capers | $7,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Sean Corbin | $7,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Tony Brothers | $7,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Rodney Mott | $7,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Scott Foster | $7,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Ken Mauer | $7,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Pat Fraher | $7,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Tom Washington | $7,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Marc Davis | $7,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $550,000 |
| Eric Lewis | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Michael Smith | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Leon Wood | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Tony Brown | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Leon Wood | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| David Guthrie | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| John Goble | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Leroy Richardson | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Scott Wall | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Sean Wright | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Mark Ayotte | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Derek Richardson | $7,000 | $9,000 | $25,000 | $500,000 |
Highest paid refs in the NBA
- Ken Mauer: Entering his 35th season.
- Tom Washington: Entering his 30th season.
- Scott Foster: Entering his 29th season.
- Tony Brothers: Entering his 29th season.
- Sean Corbin: Entering his 26th season.
- James Capers: Entering his 26th season.
- Rodney Mott: Entering his 23rd season.
- Marc Davis: Entering his 23rd season.
- Pat Fraher: Entering his 20th season.
- Eric Lewis: Entering his 17th season.
NBA Officials 2022-23 PDF Guide
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Conclusion
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