The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the world. It is also one of the most lucrative, with the league’s top players earning multi-million dollar salaries. But what about the referees who officiate the games? How much do they make? Who is the highest paid NBA referee?
NBA Referee Salaries
NBA referees are among the highest-paid referees in professional sports. According to a report from The Athletic, the average NBA referee earned approximately $300,000 in salary in 2019-2020. The highest-paid NBA referee earns approximately $500,000 a year, while the lowest-paid ref earns around $150,000.
There are currently 66 full-time referees in the NBA. They are hired on a contractual basis and do not receive any benefits or pensions. Referees are paid per game, with the amount varying depending on experience and seniority. Each referee is assigned to a particular game and is responsible for making the final decisions on all on-court matters.
The Highest Paid NBA Referee
The highest paid NBA referee is veteran official Ken Mauer. Mauer has been an NBA referee since 1988 and is currently in his 33rd season. He is widely regarded as one of the best referees in the league and is often assigned to high-profile games.
Mauer is the highest-paid NBA referee and earns an estimated salary of $500,000 a year. He is also one of the most experienced referees, having officiated over 2,000 regular season games and over 200 playoff games.
In addition to his salary, Mauer also receives a bonus for officiating playoff games and is eligible for performance-based bonuses. He is also eligible for a pension after he retires from officiating.
Conclusion
The National Basketball Association is one of the most lucrative professional sports leagues in the world. The referees who officiate the games are also well-compensated, with the average referee earning an estimated $300,000 in salary per year. The highest paid NBA referee is veteran official Ken Mauer, who earns an estimated salary of $500,000 a year.