Negotiations between Sacramento State and the Mid-American Conference (MAC) are approaching a critical vote regarding the school’s potential entry into the league as a football-only member. The discussions, ongoing for more than a week, have reached an advanced stage, with MAC presidents expected to make a final decision soon.
Sacramento State’s proposed entry fee could exceed $15 million, a significant financial commitment that stands to benefit current MAC member schools considerably. Multiple insiders familiar with the talks confirmed the details but requested anonymity. Both Sacramento State and MAC representatives declined to comment, citing confidentiality policies.
Background and Current Context
Sacramento State is actively pursuing elevation from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) by joining an established conference. Officials at the university have presented multimillion-dollar offers to several conferences as part of this effort. The school has notably offered to forgo some or all of the revenue distributions usually granted to conference members, aiming to make itself an attractive candidate despite its FCS background.
While conferences like the Mountain West and the Pac-12 have declined the offer, the Mid-American Conference is seriously considering the move. The league initiated extensive conversations with Sacramento State, including engagement by high-ranking administrators across MAC institutions. This reflects a growing trend in college football where programs pay hefty fees to transition to more competitive leagues.
Comparison to Recent Moves
If approved, Sacramento State would become the second FCS program this month to make the leap to FBS via conference negotiations. For example, North Dakota State recently joined the Mountain West after paying $12.5 million plus an additional $5 million FBS entry fee. Similarly, other schools and leagues have witnessed significant buy-ins or revenue sharing adjustments as part of conference expansions. The Big 12, for instance, received a $200 million entry fee proposal from Memphis before halting further expansion talks.
Sacramento State’s Athletic and Administrative Actions
The Hornets’ leadership, including athletic director Mark Orr and university president Luke Wood, have openly declared their ambition to move into FBS football. The school’s request for an FBS independent waiver was turned down last summer, emphasizing their need for a conference invitation to legitimize the transition.
Currently, Sacramento State’s athletic department competes in the Big West Conference for most sports, except football, which is independent due to the Big West not sponsoring football. This has placed the football program in an uncertain position, managing a mostly FCS schedule with few opponents set for the 2026 season.
MAC’s Status and Strategic Considerations
The MAC is preparing for changes in its football membership, with Northern Illinois departing next season and UMass recently added to maintain a 12-team league. The conference is also in talks with ESPN concerning a new broadcast deal, which could influence scheduling and revenue distribution.
Under the potential agreement, Sacramento State’s non-football sports would continue competing in the Big West, mirroring the current arrangement of schools like Northern Illinois, which competes as a football-only member within a different conference.
Financial and Market Implications
The proposal is particularly compelling amid widespread financial pressures affecting many universities, especially lower-budget programs within the MAC. Sacramento State, part of the California State University system, serves roughly 30,000 students and is located in Sacramento, a television market ranked 20th nationally according to Nielsen ratings.
The university has made substantial investments to enhance its athletic profile, including planned upgrades to Hornets Stadium to meet FBS standards and proposed construction of a new facility. Additionally, Sacramento State has elevated its basketball program by securing former NBA player Mike Bibby as head coach and involving Shaquille O’Neal as a voluntary general manager.
Football Program Overview
The Hornets football team is led by first-year head coach Alonzo Carter, recognized for multiple recruiting and coaching accolades over a lengthy career. He replaced Brennan Marion, whose brief tenure showed a marked increase in team competitiveness, including securing several transfers from Power Five conferences.
Historically, Sacramento State posted strong results under former coach Troy Taylor, winning three straight Big Sky titles and reaching the FCS quarterfinals with a 12-1 record in 2022. These achievements underscore the program’s readiness and ambition to compete at a higher level.
The pending decision by the Mid-American Conference presidents will likely shape the future landscape of FBS football, marking a strategic expansion move amid evolving dynamics within college athletics.
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