Sportscasting.com has gathered and analyzed data for NBA referees. Below are the contracts, salaries, and highest-paid referees.
Key Highlights:
- NBA referees can make upwards of $550,000 per year.
- NBA first-year referees can make as little as $600.
- Additional compensation can be earned for playoff games, with newer refs making $800 to $5,000 and veteran refs earning $9000 to $29,000.
In the NBA, the players are the highest-paid employees on a team, followed by the coaches. Referees are next in line as paid employees of the NBA.
In 2022, the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) announced a new collective bargaining agreement with the NBA. The seven-year deal began with the 2022-2023 season and runs through the 2028-2029 season.
While referees don’t make nearly as much as players and coaches, they still earn a substantial salary.
The NBRA ratifies 7-year contract with the NBA and is pleased with the outcome of the negotiations. pic.twitter.com/22NHS6SFn6
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) September 15, 2022
NBA Referee Contract & Salary Breakdown
The contracts and salaries of NBA officials are based on seniority and experience.
First-year officials can be paid as low as $600 per game. The more senior officials can make up to $7,000 per game.
NBA refs annual salaries typically range from $250,000 to $550,000.
Not every referee will do postseason games. However, NBA officials can expect their rate to go up if they officiate in the postseason.
Newer officials can make anywhere from $800 to $5,000 for each postseason game.
Veteran officials can make around $9,000 for first-round playoff games. If they ref games in the conference finals or finals, the per-game rate can increase to around $29,000.
These figures are solely based on the amount paid to ref a game. They do not include bonuses, travel, healthcare, insurance, and other benefits.
Who Are The Highest-Paid Refs In The NBA?
Unlike the players, the salaries of each NBA official are not public.
However, the following referees are believed to be the highest-paid officials in the NBA because of their experience and postseason assignments.
All of these referees are likely making over $550,000.
- Tony Brothers
- James Capers
- Sean Corbin
- Marc Davis
- Scott Foster
- Pat Fraher
- Eric Lewis
- Ken Mauer
- Rodney Mott
- Tom Washington
