The average annual salary for an NBA referee can reach up to $500,000, depending on different variables. How much are refs paid for NBA Finals game here.
The refs’ salary revealed: This is how much referees are paid for each NBA Finals game
The NBA is known for paying its players great amounts. And while it may come as a surprise to some fans, referees in the league are also paid substantial amounts. Let’s dive into it.
NBA referee salary 2025
In 2025, the average annual salary for an NBA referee ranges from $250,000 to $500,000, depending on a few things like experience, and job title.
Entry-level NBA referees, known as “rookies” earn around $250,000 a year. Add three to five years of experience, and their salary can jump up right to $500,000. Per contest, the average salary of a referee in the NBA ranges from $3,000 to $6,100.
That amount does not include the $800 to $5,000 earned per game in the postseason, depending on rank.
The NBA today announced the list of game officials assigned to the NBA Finals 2025 presented by YouTube TV.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 3, 2025
The championship series between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder tips off on Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
More: https://t.co/5goN0gladP pic.twitter.com/nVEiEftLUa
How refs are chosen for NBA Finals games
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Senior-level NBA referees (with the most experience) can earn extra money by referring to playoff games as it’s the only base salary for an NBA referee.
Chosen from among the best, refs for the playoffs and finals like James Capers, Marc Davis, and Scott Foster, have the most experience and are paid the most. Foster, who has officiated in 18 finals, is thought to have the highest salary in the NBA, around $550,000.
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