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Refereeing remains one of the hardest jobs in the world. Unfortunately, the WNBA is identical to other sporting leagues in that regard. With the surge in popularity, an increased microscope on virtually every play has become commonplace, putting the referees under even greater scrutiny.
With the added attention and the already complex nature of the work, the question then becomes, is it worth it? So today, we break down exactly how much referees are paid for their work in WNBA matches.
What Is a WNBA Referee’s Salary?
Typically, a referee at a WNBA game earns somewhere between $180 to $425 per game. That number amounts to something akin to $16,000-$50,000.
The number depends on the experience of the referee in question, with greater experience leading to higher pay. Additionally, their role on the court is also a determining factor in their final pay (crew chiefs typically earn more than other officials).
Additionally, the magnitude of the game, with playoffs and Finals matchups, gives the referees assigned a greater per-game rate.
While the exact details are unknown, playoff games offer something close to $9,000 for NBA referees, a number that goes as high as $50,000 for every Finals game. Those numbers stand as a huge improvement over the average $3,000-$7,000 that referees typically earn.
Beyond their designated salaries, the league pays for any travel costs that they incur, while also enlisting them in training and development programs out of their own pocket.
The refereeing in the WNBA has recently been under a heavier microscope. With virtually every viewership and attendance record shattered in the 2024 season, thanks to a combination of excellent veterans and electric rookies, the game is under more eyes than ever before.
And, one of the defining moments of last season came in one of its prominent games. Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, where the Minnesota Lynx took on the New York Liberty with the series tied at two games apiece and the winner taking home the championship, refereeing came under its biggest spotlight yet in the league.
As the Lynx led 60-58, a phantom foul call on Breanna Stewart sent the veteran to the line to tie the game at 60, with the Liberty eventually winning in Overtime.
The minimal contact led fans and even other superstar basketball players like LeBron James and Damian Lillard to voice their displeasure. Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve went so far as to call the game “stolen” from her squad.
With the added attention, the refereeing job is only going to get tougher in the WNBA. But with a grand new media rights deal getting underway, the expectation is that their pay will also see a significant upgrade.
