Women's College Basketball Referee Salary Guide: 2025 Edition

Women’s college basketball referees earn substantial fees. Typical pay ranges are:

• NCAA Division I (Women’s): Referees often earn around $500 – $1,000 per game. Top conferences and postseason games are near the higher end of this range.
• NCAA Division II (Women’s): Referees usually earn about $250 – $500 per game.
• NCAA Division III (Women’s): Referees generally make about $150 – $300 per game.
• NAIA and Other Leagues: Similar to Division II/III (roughly $100 – $400 per game).
• Postseason Tournaments: Conference tournament games and NCAA tournament games pay more. For example, a Final Four game might pay $2,000+ per official.

These are ballpark figures; actual pay depends on the conference and school budgets. In many regions, women’s game fees approach those of men’s.

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Factors Influencing Pay

• Conference: Major conferences like SEC and ACC for women’s basketball pay more. Smaller conferences pay less.
• Position: Lead referees make the listed fee; other crew members split a similar total.
• Experience: High-ranking officials with NCAA tournament experience often get priority assignments.
• Tournament Games: Conference and NCAA tournament games pay premium rates.

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Example Earnings

For perspective, a women’s Division I referee earning $800 per game who works 30 games will make $24,000 for the season. Adding conference and NCAA tournament games could bring the total to around $30,000. Even Division II officials working 20 games at $400 each would make $8,000.

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Trends

By 2025, many conferences are working to equalize pay for men’s and women’s officials. In some places, women’s referees now earn the same as men’s for comparable games. This trend reflects increased support for women’s sports.

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Why Officiate Women’s College Basketball?

• Competitive Pay: Substantially higher than high school rates.
• Level of Play: You officiate skilled collegiate athletes and fast-paced games.
• Career Path: College experience is often a stepping stone to higher levels, including the WNBA.

If you’re aiming to officiate women’s college basketball, build strong credentials at lower levels. Primary Coverage Officiating can guide you with information on clinics and assignments. They can provide details on current pay rates in your region and help connect you with opportunities. Stay dedicated and seek experience – with persistence, you can be in the game at the college level and enjoy the rewarding pay of women’s college basketball officiating! Primary Coverage Officiating is ready to support you on your path in the officiating community.