Sacramento State’s Potential MAC Move: A Game Changer for College Sports
Negotiations between Sacramento State and the Mid-American Conference (MAC) have reached a critical stage, with a potential expansion agreement nearing a vote from the league’s presidents. For over a week, MAC executives have been deeply engaged in discussions with the California-based FCS school, moving closer to a final decision that could significantly benefit current member institutions.
A Multi-Million Dollar Deal
Sources indicate that Sacramento State’s entry fee is expected to exceed $15 million. This substantial investment underscores the university’s commitment to elevating its football program to the FBS level. While officials from both Sacramento State and the MAC have refrained from public comment, citing standard policies regarding expansion discussions, the intensity of the negotiations suggests a deal is increasingly likely.
The Drive to FBS
Sacramento State is aggressively pursuing a move to an FBS conference, as previously reported by Yahoo Sports. University executives have proposed a multi-million dollar offer to several leagues, even offering to forgo a portion or all of conference distributions to secure a spot. While initial approaches to conferences like the Mountain West and Pac-12 were unsuccessful, the MAC has emerged as a viable option.
Following a Trend
If finalized, Sacramento State’s move would be the second FCS-to-FBS transition this month, following North Dakota State’s acquisition by the Mountain West. NDSU is contributing $12.5 million to the Mountain West, in addition to a standard $5 million FBS entry fee. This trend highlights the increasing financial incentives for schools to “buy into” FBS conferences. Recent examples include Memphis’s proposed $200 million entry fee to the Big 12 and the agreements made by SMU, Cal, and Stanford to forgo conference distributions for ACC invitations.
Sacramento State’s Vision
Sacramento State’s athletic director, Mark Orr, and university president, Luke Wood, have publicly expressed their desire to elevate the football program to FBS status. Despite a previous waiver request to compete as an FBS independent being denied, the university remains focused on securing a conference affiliation. The school is currently transitioning from the Big Sky to the Big West, which does not sponsor football, placing the Hornets in a unique position as an independent FCS program.
MAC’s Strategic Position
The MAC is currently at 12 member schools after adding UMass last year and losing Northern Illinois. With upcoming television deal negotiations with ESPN, the addition of Sacramento State presents a financially attractive opportunity. The proposed model would see Sacramento State’s other sports remain in the Big West, similar to Northern Illinois’s arrangement with the Mountain West.
Financial Appeal and Investment
At a time when many universities are facing financial constraints, Sacramento State’s proposal is particularly appealing. Located in a growing metropolitan area with a large television market (ranked 20th nationally by Nielsen), and boasting an enrollment of approximately 30,000 students, Sac State offers significant potential. The university is also investing heavily in its athletic facilities, including planned renovations to its football stadium and a potential new stadium project.
Coaching and Player Investments
Sacramento State has made notable investments in its coaching staff, hiring Mike Bibby, a 14-year NBA veteran, as its men’s basketball coach and Shaquille O’Neal as a voluntary general manager. The football program is led by Alonzo Carter, a highly-regarded coach with a proven track record. The program also attracted several Power Conference transfers, supported by significant NIL funding.
Recent Success
Under former coach Troy Taylor, Sacramento State achieved considerable football success, winning three consecutive Big Sky championships and reaching the FCS quarterfinals in 2022. This recent success further strengthens the university’s case for FBS elevation.
