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Nba Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exos

Referee

Malvern, PA

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry ...

Exos

Referee

Malvern, PA · On-site

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry ...

Exos

Referee

Plano, TX · On-site

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry ...

NBA

Brand Operations Coordinator

Secaucus, NJ · On-site

$75K - $83K/yr

Coordinate the outfitting of all league referees with Nike, Puma (BAL) and referee operations * Coordinate the LockerVision internal site back end maintenance working with NBA IT to ensure all ...

Exos

Referee

Plano, TX · On-site

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry ...

Nba

Brand Operations Coordinator

Secaucus, NJ

$75K - $83K/yr

Coordinate the outfitting of all league referees with Nike, Puma (BAL) and referee operations * Coordinate the LockerVision internal site back end maintenance working with NBA IT to ensure all ...

Exos

Basketball Referee

Rochester, NY

$30 - $50/hr

As a Basketball Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to ... NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry ...

Exos

Basketball Referee

Rochester, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

As a Basketball Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to ... NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry ...

Events DC

Off Duty Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Participates, as required, as the MPD representative at all NBA game referee security briefings or other event security briefings. * May assist in securing areas occupied by talent, performers, VIP ...

Events DC

Off Duty Officer

Washington, DC

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Participates, as required, as the MPD representative at all NBA game referee security briefings or other event security briefings. * May assist in securing areas occupied by talent, performers, VIP ...

Events DC

Off Duty Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

Participates, as required, as the MPD representative at all NBA game referee security briefings or other event security briefings. * May assist in securing areas occupied by talent, performers, VIP ...

Exos

Sports and Recreation Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

... referee games, prepare and maintain fields. * Expand and offer more leagues. * Supervise and ... NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry ...

Exos

Sports and Recreation Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

... referee games, prepare and maintain fields. * Expand and offer more leagues. * Supervise and ... NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry ...

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Nba Referee information

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How much do nba referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for nba referee in the United States is $16.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are NBA referees?

NBA referees are professional officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during National Basketball Association games. They make decisions on fouls, violations, and other game situations to ensure fair play. NBA referees are highly trained and must remain impartial while managing fast-paced, high-pressure situations. Their judgments can significantly influence the flow and outcome of games, making their role crucial in professional basketball.

How much does NBA ref pay?

NBA referees typically earn between $375,000 and $550,000 annually, depending on experience and seniority. They also receive per-game fees, which can range from $2,000 to $4,000, and may earn additional compensation for playoff games. Referees must pass physical and knowledge tests and often work a full NBA season including playoffs.

How can I become an NBA referee?

To become an NBA referee, candidates typically need experience officiating at lower levels such as college or minor leagues, and must pass NBA-specific training and assessments. Strong knowledge of basketball rules, good communication skills, and physical fitness are essential, and referees often start by working in local or regional leagues before advancing to professional levels.

What is the difference between Nba Referee vs Nba Umpire?

AspectNba RefereeNba Umpire
CredentialsReferee certification, training programsUmpire certification, similar training
Work EnvironmentBasketball courts, game daysBasketball courts, game days
Employer/IndustryNational Basketball Association (NBA)National Basketball Association (NBA)
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both NBA referees and umpires are officials responsible for enforcing game rules during basketball games. They share similar credentials, work environments, and are employed by the NBA. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'referee' is more common in the NBA context. Understanding their roles helps fans and aspiring officials recognize the standards and responsibilities involved in professional basketball officiating.

What are some common challenges NBA referees face during games, and how do they handle high-pressure situations?

NBA referees often encounter challenges such as making split-second decisions, managing interactions with players and coaches, and maintaining focus amidst intense crowd reactions. They are trained to remain calm under pressure and rely on extensive knowledge of the rules and teamwork with other officials to ensure fair play. Continuous professional development, including reviewing game footage and attending training sessions, helps referees adapt to evolving gameplay and maintain high performance on the court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an NBA Referee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an NBA Referee, you need an in-depth understanding of basketball rules, excellent physical fitness, and prior officiating experience, often supported by officiating certifications. Familiarity with instant replay systems, whistle signals, and digital reporting tools is also important. Outstanding decision-making, communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate, fair game management and uphold the integrity of professional basketball at the highest level.

Do NBA refs have other jobs?

NBA referees often have other jobs or careers outside of officiating, especially during the off-season, as refereeing is typically a full-time but seasonal profession. Many refs work in related fields such as coaching, sports administration, or have careers in different industries to supplement their income. Officiating requires physical fitness, knowledge of the game, and certification, but it does not usually provide year-round employment on its own.

Do NBA refs fly first class?

NBA referees typically fly first class or business class for league travel, especially for long-distance trips, to ensure comfort and rest. Travel arrangements are made by the NBA, and referees often have access to premium seating as part of their employment benefits. Their travel is coordinated to minimize fatigue and maintain performance during the season.
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What job categories do people searching Nba Referee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nba Referee jobs are:
Nba Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nba Referee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,222 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Referee

Referee

Exos

Malvern, PA

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

Responsibilities:

We're seeking a Referee to join our team. As a Referee you will:

  • Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed

  • Judge performances in sporting competitions in order to award points, impose scoring penalties, and determine results

  • Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition

  • Inspect sporting equipment and/or examine participants in order to ensure compliance with event and safety regulations - Keep track of event times, including race times and elapsed time during game segments, starting or stopping play when necessary

  • Start races and competitions

  • Other duties as needed

Qualifications

  • Current CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications

WHO WE ARE

For nearly 30 years, Exos has been dedicated to getting people ready for the moments that matterby promoting a holistic approach to health. As an elite coaching company, Exos applies itsevidence-based methodology to programming designed to unlock the potential in everyone from corporate employees, to elite athletes, military operators, and beyond.

Simply put, we "get you ready" for the moments that matter - whether that's striving to excel at work, or training for a major athletic event.How do we do it? Our employer solutions includefitness center management, on-site coaching and classes, and the Exos app, as well as immersive team-building experiences, executive coaching, and personal development programming. Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine and NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry professionals ongoing opportunities for development.

We've never been the type to accept the status quo. We're all about studying, learning, innovating,and making waves. And we feel that it's our responsibility to help others because we know there'sa better way. That better way is Exos Readiness.

We are an equal opportunity employer

EXOS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. We invite applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Exos offers reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.

Learn more here:

  • EEO is the Law
  • EEO is the Law Supplement

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