Sac State joins Mid-American Conference amid realignment

Sacramento State University's athletics program will move to the Mid-American Conference starting in 2027.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Sacramento State University has announced that its athletics program will be joining the Mid-American Conference (MAC) starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. This move comes amid ongoing conference realignment in college sports, with many schools shifting between different athletic conferences.

Why it matters

The shift to the MAC represents a major change for Sac State, which has been part of the Big Sky Conference for decades. Conference realignment can have significant impacts on a university's athletic programs, including changes to scheduling, travel, recruiting, and revenue streams.

The details

Sac State's move to the MAC will take effect at the start of the 2027-2028 academic year. The university cited the MAC's strong reputation, competitive programs, and geographic proximity to California as key factors in the decision. Sac State will be the first West Coast school to join the MAC, which is primarily composed of universities in the Midwest.

  • Sac State's athletics program will join the Mid-American Conference starting in the 2027-2028 academic year.

The players

Sacramento State University

A public university located in Sacramento, California that is currently a member of the Big Sky Conference for its athletics programs.

Mid-American Conference (MAC)

An NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference that includes universities primarily located in the Midwestern United States.

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What they’re saying

“This move to the MAC represents an exciting new chapter for Sac State athletics. We look forward to the increased visibility and competitive opportunities that come with joining this respected conference.”

— Fred Tedeschi, Athletic Director, Sacramento State University (Sacramento Bee)

What’s next

Sac State and the MAC will work together over the next year to finalize the details of the university's transition to the new conference, including scheduling, budgets, and other logistics.

The takeaway

Sac State's move to the MAC is the latest example of the ongoing shifts in college sports conference alignments, which can have significant impacts on universities and their athletic programs. These realignments reflect broader trends and competitive pressures in the world of intercollegiate athletics.