Sacramento State Nears $15 Million Deal to Join MAC in FBS Expansion

The move would elevate the Hornets' football program to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Sacramento State University is in advanced negotiations to join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a football-only member, with the university offering over $15 million to secure the move to the FBS level. The potential agreement marks the second FCS-to-FBS transition this month, following North Dakota State's acceptance into the Mountain West Conference. The financial incentive is a key factor in the MAC's consideration, as Sacramento State's proposed entry fee would provide a significant financial windfall for the league's member schools.

Why it matters

The move to the FBS level would elevate Sacramento State's athletic profile and provide a significant financial boost to the MAC, which has faced financial pressures like many smaller FBS conferences. It also underscores the growing competition for conference realignment in college athletics as programs seek to secure more lucrative media rights deals and access to higher-level competition.

The details

Sacramento State has been aggressive in pursuing an FBS invitation, 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. The university's football program is currently an independent in the FCS, but the move to the MAC would allow them to compete at the FBS level.

  • The MAC presidents' vote on Sacramento State's potential membership could come within days.
  • Sacramento State 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 players

Sacramento State University

A public university located in Sacramento, California, that is in negotiations to join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a football-only member at the FBS level.

Mid-American Conference (MAC)

A NCAA Division I conference that sponsors football and other sports, and is considering Sacramento State's proposal to join as a football-only member at the FBS level.

Luke Wood

The president of Sacramento State University, who has publicly expressed the desire to elevate the football program to FBS status.

Mark Orr

The athletic director of Sacramento State University, who has also been involved in the negotiations to join the MAC.

North Dakota State

Another FCS program that recently accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference, a higher-level FBS conference.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.