March Madness is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments unfold over three action-packed weeks. While players chase championships, the officials on the court have their own critical role — keeping the games fair, fast, and under control.
But how much are March Madness referees actually paid for the pressure, travel, and national spotlight that comes with the job?
Here’s a breakdown of what NCAA basketball referees can expect to earn during March Madness in 2025.
Before getting into the numbers, it's important to understand how officials are chosen.
Referees are selected based on their performance throughout the NCAA regular season and conference tournaments. The NCAA evaluates officials on judgment, consistency, communication, fitness, and mechanics. Only the highest-rated officials are invited to work the tournament.
Referees advance through each round based on continued evaluations. A select group is retained for the Final Four and championship game, making it a merit-based system from start to finish.
Referee pay during the NCAA Tournament is typically structured as per-game compensation, and the rate increases with each round.
Estimated 2025 rates:
Tournament RoundEstimated Pay (Per Game)
- First Four: $1,000–$1,200
- First & Second Rounds: $1,200–$1,500
- Sweet 16 & Elite Eight: $2,000–$2,500
- Final Four: $3,000–$3,500
- National Championship Game: $3,500–$4,000+
Note: Exact pay figures are not officially published by the NCAA, but these estimates are based on historical data, reported figures from previous years, and industry sources.
In addition to game fees, the NCAA typically covers:
This ensures that referees aren't paying out of pocket to work the tournament, especially considering that assignments often require quick turnarounds and long-distance travel.
Referees may be assigned to multiple rounds depending on performance and availability. Some may work only one or two early-round games, while others — particularly top officials — may officiate several games across different sites and advance deep into the tournament.
A referee who works 5–6 games throughout March Madness could earn anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 in tournament pay alone.
No. NCAA basketball referees are independent contractors, not full-time employees of the NCAA. During the regular season, most officials work across multiple conferences and often travel several days a week.
Some referees also work other levels of basketball (such as the G League or international games), while others have full-time jobs outside of officiating.
March Madness is the most high-profile — and best-compensated — stretch of their season, but it’s just one part of a much longer annual workload.
Officials for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament are evaluated and selected through a similar performance-based process. Compensation is also per game, though it has historically been slightly lower than the men’s tournament.
There have been ongoing discussions about closing that pay gap in recent years, and changes could continue heading into future tournaments.
Refereeing in March Madness is one of the most challenging and prestigious roles in all of college sports. While it’s not a full-time gig, the compensation reflects the responsibility, pressure, and visibility that come with each whistle.
For the top officials selected to work the later rounds — especially the Final Four and national championship — it’s not just a career milestone. It’s also one of the best-paying assignments in the world of college officiating.
