Sacramento State Set to Join MAC As Football-Only Member

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Sacramento State is poised to join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a football-only member, a move that will require the university to pay an $18 million entrance fee to the MAC and an additional $5 million to the NCAA to facilitate the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. This substantial investment underscores the financial commitment required for programs aspiring to compete at a higher level.

Why it matters

The addition of Sacramento State is strategically important for the MAC, as it maintains the conference's membership at 13 teams following Northern Illinois' acceptance of an invitation to join the Mountain West. Conference stability is paramount in the current environment of widespread realignment. The move also highlights a growing trend of Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs transitioning to the FBS, as they seek increased exposure, revenue potential through media rights, and the opportunity to compete at a higher level.

The details

Sacramento State concluded last season with a 7-5 record, including a 5-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play, demonstrating the program's potential and providing a solid foundation for competing in the MAC. The formal vote to add the Hornets is expected to be finalized in the coming days.

• The formal vote to add Sacramento State to the MAC is expected to be finalized in the coming days.
• Sacramento State concluded last season with a 7-5 record, including a 5-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play.

What’s next

The formal vote to add Sacramento State to the MAC is expected to be finalized in the coming days.