If you know the name of a referee or an official, remember that’s not always for a good reason. Now, when you look deeply into the NBA, Scott Foster’s name comes up. Given the current episode of the gambling scandal, the Extender has suddenly become part of the conversation, so let’s know more about who he is and what his net worth is, and more.

Who is Scott Foster?

Scott Foster, born on April 8, 1967, in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, is stepping into his 30th year as an NBA referee. Foster attended Magruder High School in Rockville before moving on to the University of Maryland, where he proudly graduated in 1993. Despite his vast experience as an official since 1994, Scott Foster continues to divide opinions in the league.

Scott has officiated 1,675 regular-season games and 241 playoff matchups, including 24 NBA Finals games! He’s also handled high-profile events like the 2010 All-Star Game in Arlington and the 2019 All-Star Game in Charlotte. His journey to the NBA wasn’t overnight. He spent time in the Continental Basketball Association, college basketball with the Southern and Big South conferences, and six years officiating high school games in Maryland. But controversies, too, have been a part of his life.

Sports Illustrated once crowned him the NBA’s “only active celebrity referee” for a reason. When he takes charge, struggling teams often find new life and push playoff series longer. That odd trend has made him a mystery worth debating. In 2023, a player poll revealed that over 25% of NBA players named him the worst referee in the league. That’s the highest among active officials. Meanwhile, his long-standing tension with future Hall of Famer Chris Paul only adds fire to the story.

Reports hinting at large-scale fraud and cheating within the NBA have sparked discussions linking Foster to sports betting and other shady circles. And as the NBA world buzzes again with scandal, Foster stands right in the storm’s center, just like always.Thus, a  simple question comes to everyone’s mind: What is his net worth?

What is Scott Foster’s net worth in 2025?

Modern officials earn between $150,000 and $550,000 annually, with Scott Foster at the top of that range. His estimated net worth in 2025 falls between $3.5 million. This simply portrays his experience in decades of high-stakes officiating. Foster’s annual referee salary is pegged at $550,000 per report from 2023, though details on endorsements, investments, or other income remain a mystery, keeping the intrigue alive.

How much does Scott Foster make? NBA referee salary and contract details

In 1994-1995, starting salaries ranged from $72,000 to $90,000, while top officials reached about $328,000 after collective bargaining deals. Back in 1983, rookies started around $24,000 and averaged $40,000 per season. The 1990s saw disputes, lockouts, and offers for roughly 30% pay raises over five years. Entry-level referees earned $70,000 to $90,000, while veterans could reach a few hundred thousand dollars. But things aren’t the same anymore.

Fast forward to today, and the NBA referee pay scale has exploded. However, NBA referee salaries remain mostly secret, unlike player paychecks. In 2022, the NBA and the Referees Association agreed on a new collective bargaining deal running through the 2028-29 season. Exact terms are private because of league policy, but base pay rises with seniority, topping out at 30 years. Performance matters too, with promotions and salary boosts for high-level officiating. Each season counts toward that top pay.

The top reported base salary for senior officials sits at $550,000, roughly $7,000 per game. The low end starts around $150,000, with extra income from working more games or playoff assignments. The league pays its most senior referees the highest salaries, including James Capers, Sean Corbin, Tony Brothers, and Scott Foster.

Recent Controversies and Impact on Career

An FBI investigation across 11 states led to over 30 arrests, uncovering links to the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families, Director Kash Patel confirmed. Authorities tied Chauncey Billups to a nationwide rigged poker scheme that involved violence, extortion, and money laundering through cash, shell companies, and cryptocurrency.

Terry Rozier drew attention during a March 23, 2023, game, with $200,000 bet on him. He played 10 of 35.3 minutes, scoring part of 21.1 points per game, but both the NBA and FBI cleared him. Former Raptors forward Jontay Porter pleaded guilty, revealing the NBA’s darker side. Now, why is Scott Foster’s name coming up?

Foster, now 58, has navigated his share of NBA controversies but remains uncharged by the FBI or any law enforcement. During the 2007 trial of former referee Tim Donaghy, who pleaded guilty to match fixing and fraud, Foster’s name surfaced. Phone records showed that Donaghy maintained close contact with Foster in the years leading up to the scandal, but authorities ultimately proved Foster innocent while holding Donaghy solely responsible.

However, Scott Foster faced further scrutiny when all-star center Rudy Gobert accused him of sports gambling and fixing games. Gobert even made a finger-rubbing gesture suggesting Foster accepted money, which cost the center a hefty league fine. Despite these controversies, Foster’s career endured, cementing him as a senior NBA official with an estimated net worth between $1 million and $5 million, reflecting decades of experience and high-stakes officiating.

Well, Scott Foster remains the NBA’s ultimate enigma, a referee who commands attention every time he steps on the court. Loved, loathed, and endlessly debated, he thrives in the chaos swirling around him. From playoff showdowns to scandals and eyebrow-raising controversies, Foster somehow stays untouchable. He embodies the drama, the intrigue, and the relentless pulse of the league, proving that in the world of basketball officiating, few can match his larger-than-life presence.