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Nba Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... NBA Referee(s) and/or Basketball Operations officials. The position may also perform other video and content work, as directed. Major Responsibility: * Assist Replay and NBA Officials while they are ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As part of the Engineering team, this individual will provide technical support for the Referee Replay Center, NBA broadcasts, and retrieval systems. The role requires independence, sound judgment ...

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Scorekeeper

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15/hr

ROLE OVERVIEW Scorekeepers are an essential part of Brodie League's professional, NBA-level gameday ... Communicate with referees to confirm score accuracy and manage stoppages * Manage game clock during ...

Nba Referee information

See salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do nba referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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.
More about Nba Referee jobs
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, and 2% Temporary. 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.
Production Assistant, Replay Operator

Production Assistant, Replay Operator

Nba

Secaucus, NJ

$24.04/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

WORK OPTION: In Office

_________________

This position is within a unionized bargainingunitand union membership will berequired. Assignment end dates are tentative and subject to change.

This job posting is for candidate pipeline purposes and is not an active hiring opportunity. Bysubmittingyour application, you are expressing interest in potential future Project Employee openings within the Content Development team. We will keep your information on file and may contact you if a suitable position becomes available.

Position Summary:

The Production Assistant, Replay Operator will work closely with the Referee Operations Department, the Basketball Strategy and Analytics Department and the Basketball Operations Department by watching games in real time and flagging actual or potential replay situations, operational situations and statistical data for review by NBA Referee(s) and/or Basketball Operations officials. The position may also perform other video and content work, as directed.

Major Responsibility:

  • Assist Replay and NBA Officials while they are reviewing plays

  • Identifyactual and potential replay situations in real-time

  • Track and tag plays of interest

  • Denote those plays in the Evertz Video System for further review

  • Analyze game action andidentifya set of predetermined plays/events

  • Communicate with Replay Officials, broadcast partners, officials, courtsidestatisticiansand game operations staff at courtside as necessary

Required Skills/Knowledge:

  • Superior level of basketball knowledge

  • Clear understanding of NBA game rules, including replay triggers

  • Basic knowledge of NBA officiating terminology

  • Strong computer and technical skills

  • Excellent communication skills and active listening skills

  • Precise and detail-oriented approach to all tasks

  • High-level playing and/or officiating experience

  • Basketball video analysis

  • Must display a passion for the game of basketball

Education:

Bachelorsdegree preferred

Salary Range:

$24.04/hr

Job Posting Title:

Project

Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in Union-sponsored employee benefit programs that include medical, dental, vision, disability, and group term life insurance, dependent care assistance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

We Consider Applicants For All Positions On The Basis Of Merit, Qualifications And Business Needs, And Without Regard To Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Gender Identity, Age, Disability, Alienage Or Citizenship Status, Ancestry, Marital Status, Creed, Genetic Predisposition Or Carrier Status, Sexual Orientation, Veteran Status, Familial Status, Status As A Victim Of Domestic Violence Or Any Other Status Or Characteristic Protected By Applicable Federal, State, Or Local Law.

The NBA is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. To safeguard our employees and their families, our visitors, and the broader community from COVID-19, and in consideration of recommendations from health authorities and the NBA's own advisors, any individual working onsite in our New York and New Jersey offices must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

About the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries. NBA Digital's assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.3 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA's global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.