Sacramento State's Risky Move to the MAC Raises Concerns

The university's decision to leave the Big Sky Conference for the Mid-American Conference comes with significant financial and logistical challenges.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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In a surprising move, Sacramento State has agreed to a five-year deal to leave the Big Sky Conference and join the Mid-American Conference (MAC). However, this decision has raised significant concerns due to the steep $18 million entry fee, the forfeiture of conference revenue sharing for the first five years, and the geographic and travel costs associated with the MAC's footprint being concentrated in the Midwest, far from Sacramento's location in California.

Why it matters

The financial burden of this transition could limit Sacramento State's flexibility in areas like facilities, coaching salaries, and NIL infrastructure, which are crucial for a program moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. The loss of conference revenue sharing and the high travel costs also pose significant challenges for the athletic department's budget.

The details

Sacramento State will pay a reported $18 million to join the MAC, including $6 million due in the first year. The university will also forgo any MAC revenue distribution for the first five years, removing a key financial cushion during a period when travel, scholarships, and operating costs are expected to rise significantly. Additionally, the MAC's footprint is concentrated in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, while Sacramento is located more than 2,000 miles away, requiring the university to cover airfare costs for visiting MAC teams traveling west.

  • Sacramento State agreed to the five-year deal to join the MAC in February 2026.
  • The $18 million entry fee, including $6 million due in the first year, is part of the agreement.

The players

Sacramento State

A public university located in Sacramento, California, that is transitioning its athletic programs from the Division I Big Sky Conference to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level.

Mid-American Conference (MAC)

A NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference whose member institutions are located in the Midwest, primarily in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.

Big Sky Conference

A NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference whose member institutions are located in the Western United States, including California, where Sacramento State is currently a member.

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What’s next

The success of Sacramento State's move to the MAC will depend on whether the increased visibility and potential enrollment and recruiting benefits outweigh the significant financial challenges posed by the $18 million entry fee, forfeited conference revenue sharing, and high travel costs.

The takeaway

Sacramento State's decision to leave the Big Sky Conference for the Mid-American Conference is a high-risk, high-reward move that highlights the financial pressures faced by non-Power Five athletic programs looking to transition to the FBS level. The university's ability to manage the substantial upfront costs and ongoing travel expenses will be crucial in determining whether this gamble pays off in the long run.