The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has formally added Sacramento State University as a football-only member, beginning with the season. The move marks a significant step for the California-based university as it transitions to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level, and reflects a growing trend of financial investment required for universities seeking to elevate their athletic programs.
According to sources, the total cost of entry for Sacramento State is expected to reach $23 million, comprised of an $18 million entrance fee to the MAC and a further $5 million payment to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to facilitate the move from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The financial commitment underscores the increasing competitiveness within college athletics, where conference realignment and the pursuit of higher revenue streams are becoming increasingly common.
This decision positions Sacramento State as the first West Coast football program to make the jump to the highest level of college football in over a generation. University President Luke Wood articulated the ambition behind the move earlier this year, stating, “We believe our university, our students, and the entire Sacramento region deserve major college football.” The addition of Sacramento State maintains the MAC’s membership at 13 schools, replacing Northern Illinois University, which is transitioning to the Mountain West Conference in football next year.
The financial landscape of college sports is undergoing a rapid transformation. The willingness of schools to invest substantial sums to join conferences like the MAC and Mountain West is occurring at a time when smaller leagues are facing challenges in retaining talent in both football and men’s basketball. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the loosening of transfer rules have created a more fluid player market, requiring conferences to offer increasingly attractive financial packages to remain competitive.
Sacramento State’s pursuit of FBS status has been a multi-year effort. The NCAA previously denied a waiver request that would have allowed the Hornets to compete as an independent FBS program. This prompted the university to actively seek a conference invitation, ultimately finding a home in the MAC. The university has also demonstrated a commitment to supporting its athletes through the evolving NIL landscape, establishing a budget “north of $1 million” dedicated to these opportunities, according to sources.
On the coaching front, Sacramento State recently appointed Alonzo Carter as its head football coach in December , replacing Brennan Marion, who departed to join the coaching staff at the University of Colorado. Carter, a first-time head coach, brings eight seasons of experience as an assistant coach under Brent Brennan at both San Jose State University and the University of Arizona.
The move to the MAC will not be immediate in terms of postseason eligibility. Sacramento State will be ineligible for postseason play for two years as part of the transition process. However, the university is actively preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, including scheduling games against a range of opponents. Confirmed matchups for include contests against Tarleton State, Maine, North Alabama, and Fresno State. The Pac-12 schedule release also outlined a game against Fresno State.
Sacramento State’s broader athletic program will see a shift as well. All non-football sports will transition to the Big West Conference beginning in the academic year. This separation reflects the strategic focus on elevating the football program while maintaining competitive balance across other sports.
The addition of Sacramento State to the MAC follows a similar move by North Dakota State University, which recently finalized its transition to the Mountain West Conference, incurring a cost of $12.5 million. Northern Illinois University’s move to the Mountain West involved an entrance fee of $2 million, illustrating the varying costs associated with conference realignment. These financial transactions highlight the increasing economic pressures within college athletics and the lengths to which institutions are willing to go to secure a more prominent position within the competitive landscape.
Sacramento State’s recent success at the FCS level, including playoff appearances in and , provides a foundation for its ambitions in the MAC. The university’s location within the Sacramento metropolitan area – a top 20 television market – is also seen as a significant asset, offering potential for increased exposure and revenue generation. University officials have been actively pursuing high-profile hires, including the recruitment of Mike Bibby as the men’s basketball coach, signaling a broader commitment to enhancing the university’s athletic profile.
