Sacramento State University is on the verge of a historic shift in its athletic program, with negotiations intensifying for membership in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). A vote by the league’s presidents could come within days, potentially bringing the Hornets’ football team to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level as a football-only member. The move, driven by Sacramento State’s willingness to contribute over $15 million, represents a significant financial windfall for the MAC and underscores the growing competition for conference realignment in college athletics.
The potential agreement marks the second FCS-to-FBS transition this month, following North Dakota State’s acceptance into the Mountain West Conference. Sacramento State’s pursuit of an FBS invitation has been aggressive, with university executives proposing a multi-million dollar offer to multiple leagues, even suggesting they would forgo a portion of conference distributions to secure a spot. While previous attempts to join conferences like the Mountain West and Pac-12 were unsuccessful, the MAC has emerged as a viable option, particularly given the current financial pressures faced by many smaller FBS conferences.
Financial Incentive Drives MAC Consideration
The financial incentive is a key factor in the MAC’s consideration. Sacramento State’s proposed entry fee of more than $15 million is particularly attractive to the league’s member schools, many of which operate on limited budgets. This influx of capital comes at a time when universities are increasingly seeking revenue streams to support their athletic programs. North Dakota State is contributing $12.5 million to the Mountain West, plus an additional $5 million standard FBS entry fee, demonstrating a similar trend of programs “buying in” to higher-level conferences. Memphis reportedly offered $200 million to join the Big 12 last year, though the conference ultimately decided against expansion.
Officials at both Sacramento State and the MAC have declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations, citing standard policies regarding expansion discussions. Yet, multiple sources with knowledge of the agreement have confirmed the progress to Yahoo Sports. University President Luke Wood and Athletic Director Mark Orr have publicly expressed their desire to elevate the football program to FBS status for months.
Navigating Conference Transitions and Athletic Alignment
Sacramento State’s athletic department is currently undergoing a significant transition. The Hornets are moving from the Big Sky Conference to the Big West Conference this year, but the Big West does not sponsor football. This creates a unique situation where the football program will compete as an independent in the FCS while the other Sacramento State sports participate in the Big West. The university’s waiver request to play as an FBS independent this season was denied last summer, necessitating a conference affiliation to achieve FBS status.
If the deal with the MAC is finalized, Sacramento State would follow a model similar to Northern Illinois, which competes in football in the Mountain West while its other sports remain in the Horizon League. The MAC currently consists of 12 member schools after adding UMass last year and losing Northern Illinois. The conference is also in the midst of negotiating a new television deal with ESPN, which could further enhance its financial stability and visibility.
Investment in Athletics and Future Outlook
Sacramento State has demonstrated a commitment to investing in its athletic programs. The university recently hired Mike Bibby, a 14-year NBA veteran, as its men’s basketball coach and announced Shaquille O’Neal as a voluntary general manager. In football, first-year coach Alonzo Carter has taken the helm, replacing Brennan Marion, who left for a position with Deion Sanders at Colorado after earning over $1 million in his single season with the Hornets. The program has also seen success on the field, winning three consecutive Big Sky championships under former coach Troy Taylor, including a 12-1 record and an FCS quarterfinal appearance in 2022.
The Hornets’ football program has scheduled seven games for the 2026 season, with six opponents hailing from the FCS level. Renovations are planned for the football stadium to meet FBS standards, and discussions regarding a potential new stadium are also underway.
The MAC presidents’ vote represents the next critical step in Sacramento State’s pursuit of FBS membership. A successful outcome would not only elevate the university’s athletic profile but also provide a significant financial boost to the Mid-American Conference. The decision is expected in the coming days, and the college football landscape will be watching closely.
What comes next hinges on the vote by the MAC presidents. If approved, Sacramento State will begin the process of fully integrating into the conference, preparing for competition at the FBS level. Share your thoughts on this potential conference realignment in the comments below.
