MAC Nears Vote on Adding Sacramento State as Football-Only Member

Proposed $15M+ entry fee would bring windfall to current MAC schools

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is in serious discussions to add California's Sacramento State University as a football-only member, a move that would bring a significant financial windfall to the league's current schools. Sources say the entry fee for Sacramento State is expected to exceed $15 million, making it one of the most lucrative expansion deals in recent college sports history.

Why it matters

This potential deal highlights the growing financial pressures facing smaller FCS programs like Sacramento State, which is seeking to elevate its football program to the FBS level. It also shows the MAC's willingness to explore nontraditional expansion opportunities as it looks to shore up its long-term financial future amid the changing college sports landscape.

The details

Sacramento State has been pursuing an FBS conference invitation for months, proposing multi-million dollar entry fees to several leagues. While the Mountain West and Pac-12 have rebuffed the school's overtures, MAC officials have now entered into advanced negotiations. If approved by the league's presidents, Sacramento State would become the second FCS program this month to buy its way into an FBS conference, following North Dakota State's $17.5 million deal with the Mountain West.

  • The MAC's decision on adding Sacramento State is expected in the coming days.
  • Sacramento State's football program is currently an independent FCS team, having transitioned from the Big Sky to the non-football Big West conference this year.

The players

Sacramento State

A California-based FCS school that is seeking to elevate its football program to the FBS level through a proposed multi-million dollar entry fee.

Mid-American Conference (MAC)

A NCAA Division I conference that is in advanced discussions to add Sacramento State as a football-only member, a move that would bring a significant financial windfall to the league's current schools.

Mark Orr

The athletic director at Sacramento State who has been leading the school's efforts to join an FBS conference.

Luke Wood

The president of Sacramento State University, who is intent on elevating the school's football program to the FBS level.

Alonzo Carter

The head football coach at Sacramento State, who has led the program to recent success at the FCS level.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to explore all options to elevate our football program and provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience.”

— Luke Wood, President, Sacramento State University

What’s next

MAC presidents are expected to vote on the potential addition of Sacramento State in the coming days. If approved, the school would become the league's 13th member, joining as a football-only program while its other sports would remain in the Big West Conference.

The takeaway

This deal underscores the growing financial realities facing smaller FCS programs, who are increasingly willing to pay steep entry fees to join FBS conferences in pursuit of greater resources and exposure. For the MAC, adding Sacramento State represents an opportunity to shore up its long-term viability through a lucrative expansion move.