In the thrilling realm of basketball, where athletes' speed, agility, and prowess are on full display, there exists another category of professionals whose precision, judgment, and integrity are paramount to the game. Among these guardians of the court's sanctity, Natalie Sago has emerged as a trailblazer. Born on May 24, 1989, in the picturesque town of Farmington, Missouri, Sago stands tall not just with her referee whistle, but as a testament to breaking gender barriers in the predominantly male-driven world of NBA officiating.
As of June 1, 2023, with an impressive net worth hovering around $5 Million, Sago isn't just one of the wealthiest referees but also a significant icon in the basketball community. Wearing the number 9 jersey, her journey to the NBA is as inspiring as it is exceptional. Natalie Sago is not just any NBA referee; she is the fifth woman to have ever made it as a full-time referee in the league. Such an accomplishment is no small feat, and her past experiences underscore the depth of her commitment to the sport.
A former college softball player, Sago showcased her athletic flair at Jefferson College from 2007 to 2009, later taking her talents to Drury University until 2011. Her dedication to sports transcended the field, as evidenced by her Bachelor's degree in K-12 Physical Education, which she acquired from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Before gracing the NBA courts, Sago honed her officiating skills in the NBA Gatorade League and the WNBA for three full seasons.
However, sports and officiating run in the Sago bloodline. Her father, Dr. Shelton Sago, is a revered figure in the Missouri sports circle, having officiated basketball for a remarkable 35 years for the Missouri State High School Athletic Association. Though he hung up his basketball whistle in 2019, he continues to be a presence in high school football officiating.
Natalie's ascendancy to a full-time NBA officiating role in 2018 wasn't just a personal milestone. It was a clear message to aspiring female referees and sports enthusiasts that ceilings are meant to be shattered. Her story is not merely of games officiated, but of boundaries overcome and new horizons discovered.
What is Natalie Sago's Salary?
Navigating the financial landscape of NBA referees can be intriguing, as the compensation reflects not only the challenges and pressures of the role but also the level of expertise and experience brought to the court. On average, an NBA referee's annual salary oscillates between $150,000 to a staggering $550,000. Naturally, as with most professions, the starting point is somewhat humble. As per Career Trend, rookies in the refereeing world can expect to pocket around $600 per game, amounting to an annual figure of roughly $250,000. However, with dedication, skill enhancement, and time - typically three to five years - one can step into the elite circle of professional referees, witnessing a significant bump in their earnings.
Natalie Sago, with her stature and years of experience, certainly doesn't fall into the category of a newcomer. Her impressive net worth of $5 Million, as cited by reputable sources like Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, makes her one of the richest basketball referees from the United States. This feat underscores not just her professional prowess but also the financial rewards that come with excellence in NBA officiating.
Natalie Sago - Family
Delving into the roots of Natalie Sago's passion for sports and officiating, it becomes clear that her family played an influential role. At the forefront of this legacy is her father, Tony Sago, whose dedication to the world of sports manifested through an illustrious 30-year career as a referee in the National Hockey League (NHL). Matching this dedication, albeit in a different arena, is her mother, Donna Sago, who instilled the value of physical education as a committed teacher in the field. Complementing this duo of inspirational figures is Michael Sago, Natalie's brother, ensuring that the family bond is not just one of love, but also of shared enthusiasm for the world of sports.
FAQs
A. Natalie Sago was promoted to a full-time member of the NBA’s officiating staff on November 15, 2018.
A. No, Natalie Sago is the fifth woman to become a full-time NBA referee.
A. Yes, she played college softball for Jefferson College and later for Drury University
A. Natalie Sago is 34 years old, as of 2023.
