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How much money do NBA Referees make? (Updated 2023)

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks talks with referee Scott Foster #48 during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks talks with referee Scott Foster #48 during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks fans have a love-hate relationship with NBA referees. Like the majority of fanbases, most nights, it’s a hate relationship, especially if Scott Foster is in charge.

The Knicks fan sitting on their couch at home who claims they could do as good a job as the refs is wrong. Whether good or bad, referees are instrumental to the game.

This past season, there was plenty of controversy surrounding the officiating. Spencer Dinwiddie claimed the Nets weren’t getting calls after trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The most notorious complaint from 2022-23 stemmed from the result of the Lakers-Celtics game on Jan. 28.

With the game tied at 105 and four seconds remaining, LeBron James drove to the rim for a layup. His arm was hit by Jayson Tatum, which caused LeBron to miss.

The referees didn’t blow their whistle for the foul, and Los Angeles lost in overtime, 125-121. LeBron had a memorable reaction to the blatant no-call, and crew chief Eric Lewis admitted the referee missed Tatum’s obvious contact on LeBron’s arm.

After that game, Lakers fans likely wondered why NBA referees make money at all, especially if they can’t do their job when it matters most.

How much money do NBA referees make?

Last year, the NBA and the National Basketball Referees Association came to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The salary for rookie referees starts at $600 per game, which comes to around $250,000 per year. Veteran referees make $3,500 per game, up to $550,000 per year. Referees that are part of the playoffs make anywhere between $800-$5,000 per postseason game.

Which referees did the Knicks have the most success with in 2022-23?

Last season, a total of 68 referees officiated Knicks games. Here’s a look at the refs that only officiated New York wins:

  • Jamahl Ralls (1-0)
  • Gediminas Petraitis (4-0)
  • Scott Twardoski (4-0)
  • John Goble (2-0)
  • Mousa Dagher (1-0)
  • Matt Boland (2-0)
  • Sean Corbin (3-0)
  • Scott Wall (4-0)
  • Natalie Sago (2-0)
  • Michael Smith (4-0)
  • Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling (1-0)
  • Brandon Schwab (2-0)
  • Jacyn Goble (2-0)
  • Derek Richardson (3-0)

What was Scott Foster’s record in Knicks games he officiated in 2022-23?

Scott Foster, one of the most notorious NBA referees, officiated six New York games last season, and the Knicks went 4-2.

What was the most memorable Knicks referee moment in 2022-23?

James Williams, who officiated four Knicks games last season, shared a hilarious moment with Tom Thibodeau when he emphatically told the head coach to “stop.”

It should be noted that New York went 1-3 in the games Williams officiated.

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