Scott Foster is a controversial NBA referee known for his sharp calls, having officiated over 1,820 games, including 24 NBA Finals appearances.
Yet, behind the whistle and the nickname “The Extender,” there’s a private man whose family life, particularly details about Scott Foster’s wife, Paula Foster, remain largely out of the public eye.
Scott Foster is not one for the spotlight off the court.
Unlike many public figures, he avoids social media to keep his personal life private.
Finding information about Scott Foster’s wife and family is challenging. He met his future wife, Paula, a cheerleader, while attending University of Maryland basketball games at Cole Field House.
According to Sports Illustrated, Foster is the father of three children, likely in their mid-to-late 20s—around 27, 25, and 22 years old.
One of his sons, Jacke, has a special connection to the refereeing world as the godchild of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy.
Although details about Foster’s wife, Paula, remain undisclosed, his family clearly plays a crucial role in supporting him.
While the NBA games attract a lot of attention, the Foster family supports him quietly from the sidelines.
This strong support system helps Foster deal with the challenges of his well-known and often criticized career.
Foster’s Journey To The NBA Began As The Son Of A Firefighter And Led Him To Become An NBA Referee
Born to Dickie Foster, a firefighter in Montgomery County, Maryland, Scott grew up with a strong sense of community.
Foster’s love for basketball took root early, but not as a player. Foster coached his younger brothers’ basketball games at a local recreation center as a young man.
Foster honed his skills in the Continental Basketball Association, where he officiated for two years before entering the NBA.
He also worked high school and college games, building the experience needed for the big leagues.
Foster broke into the NBA in 1994, and by his second season, he was already officiating a nationally televised game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns in April 1996.
The high-stakes game cemented his reputation as a referee trusted with the league’s biggest stages.
Foster’s nickname, “The Extender,” comes from his frequent involvement in playoff games where teams avoid elimination, often extending series.
It’s a title that reflects both his prominence and the controversy surrounding him. Fans and players alike have mixed feelings about Foster.
On one hand, his accuracy and experience are undeniable, with over 1,820 games under his belt.
On the other hand, critics argue he issues technical fouls for minor reasons, misses key calls, or seems to favor certain teams.
In February 2019, NBA star James Harden publicly called Foster “rude and arrogant” after a heated game.
Chris Paul was another vocal critic during his time as President of the National Basketball Players Association, accusing Foster of bias toward certain teams and players.
Despite the scrutiny, Foster faced no consequences and remains a mainstay in the NBA.
On March 17, 2025, he suffered a calf injury during a Knicks-Heat game, sidelining him for nearly two months.
Scott Foster is ACTIVE and will be officiating Nuggets-Thunder Game 2 after being out 7 weeks
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 7, 2025
It will be Foster's first time on the court since suffering a calf injury during Heat-Knicks on March 18 pic.twitter.com/sQ7yYSUjv6
Fans speculated about his absence, but Foster made his comeback on May 7, 2025, officiating Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.
It marked his 2025 NBA playoff debut, and as expected, reactions on X ranged from humorous jabs to suspicion about his return. For Foster, though, it was just another day on the job.
While Foster’s professional life is well-documented, his personal life remains a mystery, which seems intentional.
Scott Foster’s wife and children stay out of the public eye, offering him a private sanctuary amid the chaos of his career.
This balance likely grounds him, allowing him to face the criticism and pressure of being one of the NBA’s most recognized referees.
Though private, his family is undoubtedly part of that journey, supporting him through every call, every game, and every controversy.
Fans will keep watching as Foster continues to officiate—not just for his calls, but for any glimpse into the man behind the whistle.
Scott Foster’s wife and family remain his quiet strength, cheering him on from a distance as he navigates the highs and lows of NBA refereeing.
