Although they may not be the most glamorous members of the NBA, referees play an essential part in the sport. They deal with disputes, fouls, and more to ensure that the game proceeds as planned and that everyone follows the rules. It is natural to wonder how much money basketball officials make each season given that it is their job to ensure a fair and up-to-date game. Obviously, they don’t make as much as players do, but referring can be lucrative. Let’s examine it more closely.
How Much Do NBA Referees Get Paid?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much money NBA referees make, but recent estimates put their salaries somewhere between $180,000 and $550,000 per year. According to other estimates, the starting salary for new referees is approximately $250,000. When these officials first join the league, they are paid a salary that is closer to the lower end of this range. As they stay in the league longer, their wages go up. According to Career Explorer Guide, referee salaries will increase by $30,000 per game during the championships.
The salaries of NBA referees have risen steadily over time. NBA officials made between $18,000 and $80,000 per season in 1983. In 1994, the figures reached $72,000 to $177,000, with a starting salary of $91,000 in 2009. As a result, NBA refereeing is becoming more lucrative over time, which may encourage individuals to enter the field.
The WNBA’s referees earn approximately $425 per game, or $180,000 per season, which is significantly less than the NBA’s. The NBA’s and WNBA’s distinct market sizes are primarily to blame for this pay disparity, which is also evident among players.
NBA Referee Vs. NBA Player Salaries
However, while NBA referees earn a respectable salary, it is still far below that of NBA players. In point of fact, it is significantly less than what even rookies earn. Rookie NBA players are prohibited from earning less than $898,310 under the Collective Bargaining Agreement of the NBA. As the player spends more time with the league, this amount rises. As a result, many NBA players earn significantly more, with some of the best players earning $40 million per season.
Pay for officials is also influenced by their status. Every game, entry-level referees make about $600, and this amount goes up the longer they stay in the league. Benefits include insurance, travel expenses, and retirement plans for all referees.
Famous NBA Referees
A select group of NBA referees earn more than their counterparts due to gaining some level of celebrity status, just as some well-known NBA basketball players earn more than others. Because of how well-liked these officials are, their presence on the court can stoke speculation about particular aspects of the game. Scott Foster, James Capers, and Sean Corbin are among the notable members of this group.
Working with the NBA for three to five years is required to reach this senior level of refereeing. Referees are paid approximately $500,000 annually and approximately $3,500 for each game they officiate because of this distinction. In addition, they are eligible to officiate postseason games, where they stand to earn up to $5,000 per game.
How Many NBA Referees Are There?
The roster for the 2022-23 NBA season has not yet been made public. However, the league had 75 full-time officials and nine non-staff officials during the previous season.
Conclusion
The intense nature of NBA sports officiating is more likely to garner criticism than praise. In addition, the high-stakes basketball world can be resolute and unforgiving. Knowing that NBA referees are well compensated for their work is important because of this.
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