NBA Orlando Magic take on Charlotte Hornets
The NBA will take another step in its move towards equality with two female referees officiating a game for the first time.
Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder will oversee the clash between Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets on Monday night alongside veteran official Sean Wright.
It’s a first since 1997 when women began as referees, with Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer becoming the first full-time referees.
Kantner was fired in 2002, with Palmer the only female referee for 12 years, retiring in 2016/17. There have only been seven female full-time referees, with five still in action.
Commissioner Adam Silver assured last season that the league was aiming to have more female representation as officials, just as there has been in coaching, where Becky Hammon took over from Gregg Popovich after he was sent off for the Spurs.
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