How Much do Men's College Basketball Referees Earn? [Full Breakdown]

Men’s college basketball referees are usually paid per game, with rates based on division and conference. Typical pay ranges include:

• NCAA Division I (Men’s): Center referees often earn $500 – $1,500 per game. In major conferences, pay is toward the higher end; smaller conferences are toward the lower end. Assistant referees typically earn about 60–70% of the center referee’s fee.
• NCAA Division II: Referees might earn around $300 – $800 per game.
• NCAA Division III: Referees often make about $200 – $400 per game.
• NAIA and Other Leagues: These generally align with Division II/III ranges (roughly $200 – $600).
• Postseason Tournaments: Conference and NCAA tournament games pay more. Conference finals or NCAA tournament games might pay $1,000–$2,500+ for center referees.

For context, a D-I referee working 30 games at $1,000 each would earn $30,000 in a season. Many officials also work multiple games in a weekend tournament.

‍

Factors Affecting Pay

• Conference: Power conferences pay more.
• Experience: Veteran referees with high evaluations often get better games and pay.
• Assignment Position: The crew chief (center referee) earns the full listed fee; the other two officials split the rest of the total fee.
• Tournament Games: Postseason games usually include a stipend and sometimes covered travel.

‍

Comparing to Other Levels

College basketball pay is higher than high school but lower than pro. NBA referees make about $8,000–$10,000 per game, much higher than college rates. However, college officiating is still lucrative. If a D-I referee averages $1,000 per game for 30 games, that’s $30,000 in a season, often treated as a full-time seasonal income.

‍

Example Earnings

An ACC referee at $1,000 per game working 30 games would make $30,000. Division II refs at $400 per game for 20 games would earn $8,000. These figures highlight the differences in pay by division.

‍

Ready to Officiate?

If you aspire to officiate college basketball, start by excelling at the high school level and attending college officiating clinics. Primary Coverage Officiating (PCO) can help new referees understand pay scales and certification for college games. They offer resources on connecting with college assigners. Contact PCO to learn more about what college basketball referees earn and how to position yourself for those opportunities. Train hard, build experience, and you’ll be ready to step onto the college court!