NBA referees often find themselves in the spotlight during games. From contentious decisions to failing to spot fouls, referees are an integral part of each game.

The referees need to be physically fit, understand the rules and regulations, and be extremely observant. Not to mention that NBA refs need to be confident and resolute in their decisions with speed.

As with all jobs, the referee’s salary increases as they pick up more experience and take charge of more games. Currently, the match officials in the NBA are divided into 3 groups, i.e. Entry-level, WNBA, and Senior. The entry-level NBA referee salary is around $250,000 per year or $600 per game. For WNBA-level officials, the salary is around $180,000 per year or $425 per game. The officials are also eligible for a higher referee salary at the senior level after 3-5 years of experience. The NBA referee salary for senior ref clocks in at nearly $500,000 per year or $3,500 per game.

Only the best senior referees officiate NBA playoff games and can expect to earn almost $10,000 per game in the first two rounds and up to $30,000 per game for semi-finals and finals games.

In the 2020-21 season, there are nine NBA referees who make $550,000 per year. Their rates are $7,000 per regular-season game, $9,000 per playoff game, and $29,000 per conference finals and finals games.

So here is the list of the top ten NBA referees who make $550,000 and the next in the line who makes 50k less.

James Capers

James Capers, a seasoned veteran in the world of NBA officiating, has amassed an impressive record over his 26-season career. His tenure includes the oversight of 1,357 regular-season games and 135 postseason games, including 10 high-pressure and viewer-intensive NBA Finals games.

In addition to this extensive NBA experience, Capers brings to the table six years of officiating experience in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). Despite being a different league, the CBA is a significant professional basketball stepping-stone, and this experience has undoubtedly contributed to shaping Capers into the reputable official he is today. During his time in the CBA, Capers officiated in three Finals games and two All-Star games, marking important milestones in his professional journey.

Throughout his officiating career, Capers has consistently upheld a high level of professionalism and has been unwavering in his commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of the game. His wide range of situational knowledge and hands-on experience in both the NBA and CBA position him as one of the most trusted and respected officials in basketball.

As a matter of fact, his significant accomplishments have not only been recognized on a domestic level, but also on an international scale, as he has officiated high-profile NBA games in cities around the world such as Beijing, Johannesburg, London, Paris, and Tokyo.

On a financial note, the extensive experience and high level of performance of an NBA referee like Capers is also reflected in his compensation. According to the most recent data available, a referee of Capers’ caliber is compensated in the ballpark of $550,000 on an annual basis, marking him as one of the top earners in his field. This reiterates the value attached to his esteemed position within the industry.

In conclusion, the comprehensive officiating career of James Capers, spanning multiple decades, different basketball associations, and various high-stake games, speaks volumes about his knowledge, skill set, and contribution to the game of basketball.

Sean Corbin

Sean Corbin has an illustrious and extensive career in basketball officiating, spanning over 26 years as an NBA official. His career highlights include overseeing 1,331 regular-season games and 79 playoff games, showcasing his strong dedication to the game and his expertise in both the technical and situational aspects of officiating high-stakes matches.

Corbin’s portfolio extends beyond his work in the NBA and encompasses prestigious events, such as the 2007 NBA All-Star Game held in Las Vegas. Officiating at an All-Star Game is a notable achievement, as only the most esteemed referees are entrusted with the responsibility of managing high-profile games featuring the most talented athletes in the league. Furthermore, his international presence has shined with engagements that include officiating at the 1999 Japan Games, an exhibition series designed to expand basketball’s global footprint and showcase NBA talents to a wider audience.

Perhaps most prestigiously, Sean Corbin played an integral role in the 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece. His participation as a referee in the Olympics demonstrates his exceptional ability to adjust to an international context while maintaining the highest level of officiating quality and professionalism. Being selected for such a respected event is a clear acknowledgment of Corbin’s adaptability and his capacity to apply his expertise in various settings involving athletes from around the world.

As a dedicated and skilled official, Corbin’s career highlights not only speak to his knowledge and understanding of the game but also his strong commitment to upholding basketball’s integrity, fostering fair play on the court, and ensuring that every player has a consistent and unbiased experience. His years of experience in officiating are a testament to his professionalism and work ethic, while his involvement in various prestigious events reflects the respect and recognition that have been earned by Corbin in the basketball world.

In conclusion, Sean Corbin’s extensive career as an NBA official, coupled with his experiences in the All-Star Games, Japan Games, and the Olympic Games, highlights his integrity and devotion to the sport. He exemplifies the qualities that define a top referee, as his unmatched skill, consistency, and professionalism contribute to the ever-growing legacy of basketball officiating.

Tony Brothers

Tony Brothers, a highly respected and experienced basketball referee, boasts an impressive 27-season-long career as an NBA official. Over these years, Brothers have overseen 1,466 regular-season games, demonstrating a remarkable level of commitment to his profession and highlighting his expertise in managing elite basketball matches.

Adding to his impressive NBA career, Brothers has officiated 140 playoff games, a stage of the competition where high-stakes games demand an in-depth understanding of the rules, excellent judgment, and the ability to keep the game running smoothly. Included in these playoff games are nine Finals games, which can be considered the pinnacle of the NBA season. These games involve immense pressure and viewer attention and are only trusted by the most capable and respected officials like Brothers.

Before entering the NBA, Tony Brothers worked in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for four years. This experience contributed significantly to honing his officiating skills and preparing him for the NBA environment. During his time in the CBA, he officiated three CBA Finals games and one CBA All-Star Game, marking crucial milestones in his professional journey.

In addition to his professional basketball officiating career, Tony Brothers has been actively involved in officiating at different levels of the sport. He has seven years of experience officiating high school basketball games in Virginia. This allowed Brothers to refine his skills and gain insights into the game from the grassroots to the elite level. Furthermore, Brothers spent one year working as a referee at the junior college level, providing yet another aspect to his comprehensive basketball officiating background.

In summary, Tony Brothers’ diverse and accomplished career in basketball officiating, with 27 seasons in the NBA, experience in CBA, and involvement in high school and junior college games, has shaped him into one of the most respected and prominent referees in the sport. His journey serves as an excellent example of professional growth and development, as he has upheld the integrity of the game from the grassroots to the highest echelons of the sport.

Rodney Mott

Rodney Mott, a distinguished NBA referee, has had an extensive career spanning 23 seasons in the professional basketball realm. During his significant tenure, Mott has exhibited tremendous dedication to the sport, which is reflected through his officiating of a whopping 1,255 regular-season games. This impressive count not only showcases his professional expertise but also provides a testament to his endurance and commitment to the role, as each of these games requires an intricate understanding of the sport’s rules, proper judgment for fair play, and management of high-pressure situations.

In addition to his remarkable record in regular-season games, Mott has also handled the increased pressure and scrutiny that comes along with supervising 35 playoff games. These high-stakes games require even more precision, with every call having the potential to influence the journey of the teams involved toward championship attainment. Mott’s experience in such nerve-racking scenarios highlights his ability to keep his composure and make sound judgments, crucial traits needed for a referee at this level of competition.

Apart from the regular season and playoff events, Mott’s officiating prestige earned him the opportunity to work the 2013 NBA All-Star Game that was held in Houston. An All-Star Game assignment is a definite feather in a referee’s cap; it is a privilege reserved for the most reliable and respected referees in the business. The game brings together the best talent in the NBA, drawing attention from a vast, global audience, and requires a referee of exceptional ability to manage the flow of such a talent-stacked event.

Mott’s officiating journey is far from ordinary – it’s a story of building solid experience, developing keen judgment, managing high-pressure situations, and above all, maintaining an unwavering commitment to the sport.

His impressive career has earned him a place in the basketball world, solidifying his position as a prominent and experienced NBA referee. His tireless contributions to the sport and its integrity are felt in every game he officiates. Mott’s impressive career and his extensive experience in managing regular-season, playoffs, and All-Star games exemplify the importance of fair play and consistency, greatly enhancing the experience for both players and fans alike.

In conclusion, Rodney Mott’s profession as an NBA referee has enriched the sport of basketball, underscoring the significance of a referee’s role in ensuring a just and entertaining game. His career, marked by extensive experience and professionalism, sets a high standard for others in the field to follow.

Scott Foster

Scott Foster is a celebrated NBA referee who has had an illustrious career spanning 27 seasons in NBA officiating. His significant tenure includes overseeing 1,477 regular-season games, a total that illustrates his longstanding commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport. This experience also showcases Foster’s deep understanding of the intricate nuances of basketball and the challenges that emerge in maintaining fair play and control over an NBA game.

Beyond the regular season, Foster has been trusted to handle escalated post-season tensions in 187 playoff games, including 19 NBA Finals games. These contests represent some of life’s most intense, high-stakes scenarios in professional sports. Foster’s capacity to manage such immensely pressure-filled circumstances serves as a testament to his sound judgment and superior officiating skills.

One game that stands out in Foster’s mind is Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals, a contest that pitted the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics – two of the most storied franchises in NBA history. Given the importance of this decisive game, the tension was palpable and the stakes were at an all-time high, demanding the utmost precision and impartiality from the referees. Foster’s selection for this task was a profound endorsement of his officiating excellence and an acknowledgment of the trust placed in him by the league.

Adding a sense of camaraderie to the pressure-filled atmosphere was that Foster worked this game alongside two of his mentors, Dan Crawford and Joey Crawford. This collaboration further underlines the mutual respect and professional growth inherent within the refereeing fraternity. Learning from established veterans and later working alongside them in some of the sport’s biggest moments, such as NBA Finals games, is a career highlight and a significant personal accomplishment for any official.

In conclusion, Scott Foster’s contributions to the world of basketball officiating, marked by his handling of regular season affairs, playoff challenges, and excelling in unforgettable Finals games, have cemented his position as a top-tier NBA referee. His ability to maintain fairness, consistency, and professionalism under the bright lights of the world’s biggest basketball stage serves as an inspiration for other officials in the sport.

Ken Mauer

Ken Mauer stands tall as the most experienced referee in the contemporary NBA, boasting an awe-inspiring career that spans 35 seasons. Over these years, Mauer has displayed a remarkable level of dedication and commitment, overseeing an astounding 1,935 regular-season games. His service to the league, through its ebbs and flows, busts and booms, has not only earned Mauer a position within the upper echelons of refereeing but has also shaped the NBA’s standards for officiating.

In addition to his regular season contributions, Mauer has also officiated 218 playoff games, epitomizing the perseverance and poise required in the face of escalated postseason tensions. His resume also boasts officiating 19 NBA Finals games, a testament to his ability to navigate high-stakes, high-pressure scenarios with fairness and authority.

Two standout episodes from Mauer’s career offer glimpses into the stature of games he has been trusted to oversee. One of these memorable assignments includes Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. The game went down in NBA Finals history as one of the most exciting matchups, requiring supreme officiating skills to maintain fair play amidst an atmosphere of heightened stakes and anticipations.

The other memorable assignment for Mauer was when he officiated Michael Jordan’s first game back from retirement – an event marked in the annals of basketball history. When the Chicago Bulls faced the Indiana Pacers on March 19, 1995, Mauer was there to ensure the rules of the game were upheld, contributing to the excitement and anticipation felt by fans worldwide on witnessing the return of the legend.

In summary, Ken Mauer’s significant contributions across the regular season and playoff games, coupled with facilitating historic moments in NBA history, signify his leadership, resilience, and dedication to the sport. The thousands of games officiated by Mauer not only represent his personal milestones but also reflect the successful journey of basketball officiating throughout the years, from the grassroots to the elite level of the NBA. His career is a beacon of excellence in basketball refereeing, highlighting the essential role that referees play in ensuring the integrity, excitement, and fluidity of the game.

Pat Fraher

Pat Fraher’s journey as an NBA official provides an inspiring example of dedication and professional growth in the basketball officiating world. Over twenty seasons, he has officiated an outstanding 1,106 regular-season games, demonstrating his persistence and unwavering devotion to ensuring fair play in the sport. Each of these games represents a test of his knowledge, judgment, and ability to manage the dynamics of an NBA game. This impressive tally underlines a large number of successfully navigated challenges and reiterates the trust reposed in Fraher by the NBA fraternity.

Outpacing the rigors of regular season play, the playoffs represent an escalated level of competition that compounds the pressure on players, coaches, and officials alike. Here again, Fraher has proven his mettle by successfully officiating 51 playoff games. These games, characterized by an intensified atmosphere and increased scrutiny, demand an exceptional level of officiating skills. Fraher’s performance in these high-pressure settings reaffirms his capabilities to handle the marked intensity synonymous with post-season basketball.

Before embarking on his NBA career, Fraher spent seven years officiating in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). This experience served as a fertile training ground, allowing Fraher to further hone his skills in the rule-enforcing arena. More notably, during his tenure in the CBA, Fraher had the opportunity to work during the Finals and the All-Star Game. These high-profile games allowed him to sharpen his adjudicating skills under intense playing situations and a wide audience, experiences that undeniably prepped him for his NBA journey.

Adding to Fraher’s extensive Basketball refereeing resume is his four-year stint in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). This foray into women’s professional basketball not only expanded the scope of his officiating portfolio but also provided insight into the expansion and growth of the sport as a whole.

Fraher’s distinct refereeing journey across various basketball associations – the NBA, CBA, and WNBA – paints a vivid picture of his diverse and substantial career in officiating. Moreover, it encapsulates a tale of hard work, adroitness, and dedication that has left an indelible mark on basketball officiating in these leagues. His significant experience in the field has not only made Fraher an asset to the NBA but also exemplifies the level of commitment and passion that top-tier basketball officiating necessitates. His numerous contributions to the sport are invaluable, and his relentless pursuit of excellence promises even more spectacular milestones in the future.

Tom Washington

Tom Washington is a seasoned professional within the NBA refereeing fraternity, whose vast experience stretches over an impressive tenure of 30 seasons. During this time, he has officiated an astounding 1,629 regular-season games, underlining his sustained commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. Such a number is a testament to not only the trust bestowed upon him by the NBA but also highlights the numerous occasions Washington has effectively diffused tensions and facilitated the smooth flow of play.

Beyond the regular season, Washington’s officiating prowess has been proven time and again during the elevated intensity of playoff games. He has successfully managed 172 playoff games, showcasing an ability to maintain calm and impartial judgment even in the midst of fierce competition and high-pressure scenarios.

His exceptional officiating performance has also been on display during NBA Finals games, with Washington overseeing four such contests. The Finals represent the pinnacle of the NBA season, marked by relentless competition among the league’s elite teams. Being selected to referee at this level is a remarkable honor and solidifies Washington as a top-tier NBA official.

One assignment that Washington particularly cherishes is his first NBA Finals: Game 4 of the 2008 Finals between two of the most storied franchises in NBA history, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. The importance of this decisive game, coupled with the existing rivalry between the two teams, made for an emotionally charged and tension-filled atmosphere. Washington’s ability to uphold the rules and standards of fair play during such an influential game marks a significant milestone in his career and a memory that he rightly holds with pride.

In summary, Tom Washington’s illustrious career, spanning over three decades, echoes a story of commitment, skill, and unwavering dedication to the art of basketball officiating. His journey, from regular-season games through playoff challenges, culminating in his most treasured memory of officiating the NBA Finals, paints an inspiring picture of steadfast professional growth. Washington’s contributions to upholding the integrity and spirit of the game truly mark him as a cornerstone of NBA officiating.

Marc Davis

Davis’s professional experience as an NBA official is both considerable and impressive, spanning 21 remarkable seasons. During these two-plus decades, he has supervised a staggering 1,279 regular-season games, a testament to his enduring commitment to the game and the NBA’s trust in his abilities. Each game, from season openers to critical battles for playoff positioning, offers a unique set of challenges and requires the utmost judgment, impartiality, and rapid decision-making. Davis’s command over these games illuminates his strength in these areas and his ability to ensure fairness under any game situation.

Playoff games, however, introduce a whole new level of competition and subsequent referee scrutiny. With the stakes at their highest, every decision from a referee can impact the trajectory of a team’s championship aspirations. Despite this intense pressure, Davis has handled it with aplomb, officiating 132 playoff games in his career. His work during these nail-biting contests underscores his resilience and ability to remain composed, even in the most high-pressure circumstances.

Furthermore, Davis’s officiating prowess has taken center stage during NBA Finals games. He has officiated 12 of these marquee contests, a number reflective of his reputable stature within the officiating community. The Finals – the epitome of NBA competition and worldwide attention – demand only the very best from everyone involved, officials included. Davis’s selection to function in these critical games represents a personal and professional pinnacle, reflecting the faith the NBA puts in his officiating acumen.

One of the most noteworthy assignments in Davis’s career was the 2014 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans. As a star-studded exhibition that showcases the league’s best talents, the All-Star Game is an event akin to a basketball festival, celebrated by fans and players globally. Davis’s inclusion as an official in this game further emphasizes his standing within the NBA. Despite the exhibition nature of the All-Star Game, managing such an event requires a delicate balance of upholding the spirit of competition while allowing the display of player creativity and flair. Davis successfully navigating this assignment exemplifies his versatility as an official.

Throughout his career, Davis has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the highest standards of basketball officiating. The magnitude of regular-season, playoff, and Finals games he has supervised clearly signifies his unwavering commitment and the profound trust he has earned from the NBA. His tenure at the 2014 NBA All-Star Game added another feather in his cap, solidifying his status as an accomplished NBA official. He remains a model of longevity, reliability, and professional excellence in the realm of NBA officiating.

Eric Lewis

Lewis, throughout his distinguished 17-season career as a seasoned NBA referee, has made an indelible mark in the world of professional basketball officiating. Within this time frame, he has overseen an impressive 936 regular-season games, underscoring his commitment to upholding the NBA’s rules and ensuring fair competition. Lewis’s expertise in handling these games is crucial in fostering the trust and confidence of players, coaches, and fans alike.

In addition to his regular-season accomplishments, Lewis has displayed impressive poise and professionalism when officiating critically important playoff games. He has successfully managed 46 such high-stakes contests, known for their intense atmosphere and significant impact on a team’s championship aspirations. It is during these games that referees are placed under immense scrutiny, and Lewis has consistently proven his clarity, precision, and authoritative decision-making, positioning him as a trusted NBA official.

An important component of Lewis’s journey in basketball officiating is his extensive background in college basketball. Spanning eight years, this experience allowed him to refine his abilities and apply his skills across various conferences including the Atlantic Sun, Ohio Valley, Sunshine State, Florida Sun, and Mid-Florida. The diverse playing styles and traditions unique to each of these conferences provided Lewis with a robust training ground, preparing him for the rigors and accelerated pace of the NBA.

Lewis’s introduction to the world of basketball officiating began with six years spent managing high school games in Florida. This foundational phase in his career taught him the basics of the trade, as well as the importance of maintaining professionalism, impartiality, and quick decision-making on the court. These years were essential for shaping the knowledge and skills that would serve as a springboard to propel Lewis into the higher-level competitions of collegiate sports and ultimately the NBA.

In conclusion, each stage of Lewis’s career, from his start in Florida high school basketball to advanced levels of college basketball and ultimately the NBA, tells the story of a referee dedicated to continually bettering his craft and maintaining the integrity of the game. His perseverance, commitment to growth, and passion for the sport have made Lewis an invaluable asset to the NBA and a beacon for aspiring referees. Through his continuous efforts to uphold the spirit of the game and the fundamental principles of fair play, Lewis stands as a stalwart example of excellence in the realm of professional basketball officiating.