The NBA will train replacement referees after the National Basketball Referees Association rejected its final contract offer.

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"The proposals we have made to the NBRA are extraordinarily fair and reasonable, given the current economic circumstances," said Rick Buchanan, the NBA's executive vice president.

"It is extremely disappointing that the NBRA has ignored the economic realities, rejected our offer, and left us with no choice but to begin using replacement referees."

The NBA said its offer would have maintained current salary levels and modestly reduced the NBA's referee costs through changes to benefits and travel policies.

Entry-level referees earn almost $150,000 per year while senior referees' salaries top $550,000.

Unless a new collective bargaining agreement can be reached the NBA will start pre-season using Development League and WNBA officials.