Sacramento State Nearing MAC Membership as Football-Only Program

Why does this matter? This potential agreement highlights the evolving landscape of college football, where schools are making significant financial investments to improve their programs and gain access to better competition and revenue streams. It also illustrates the financial pressures faced by lower-budget conferences like the MAC.

Sacramento State's aggressive push to join an FBS conference involves offering a substantial entry fee, a strategy similar to Memphis's proposal to the Big 12. The MAC's interest in Sacramento State stems from the university's location in a large television market and its commitment to athletic investment, including stadium renovations and high-profile coaching hires.

This move reflects a broader trend of FCS schools seeking FBS status to enhance their football programs. Sacramento State's recent football success, including multiple Big Sky championships, positions them as a competitive addition to the MAC. The team is led by coach Alonzo Carter, a first-year coach who’s won multiple recruiting and coach-of-the-year awards over a 27-year career.

The agreement would bring a windfall to current member schools. Sacramento State’s entry fee is expected to be more than $15 million.

To elevate its football program to FBS status, access better competition, and increase revenue.

More than $15 million.

They will remain in the Big West Conference.

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