Sacramento State's Risky Move to MAC Raises Questions

Sac State's $25 million deal to join the FBS and Mid-American Conference faces criticism over high costs and long travel distances.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sacramento State University's decision to move its football program from the FCS to the FBS and join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) has drawn significant criticism online. The $25 million price tag for the temporary agreement, along with the need to cover air travel costs for visiting MAC teams located over 2,200 miles away, has many questioning the financial viability and strategic rationale behind the move.

Why it matters

Sac State's risky move to the MAC is seen by many as an expensive gamble that may not pay off, raising concerns about the university's long-term athletic and financial planning. The decision has sparked debate about whether the potential local economic impact touted by the university president justifies the high upfront costs.

The details

Under the deal, Sac State will pay $25 million to join the FBS and MAC on a temporary basis, with the goal of eventually moving to the Mountain West or Pac-12 conferences. The university will also be responsible for covering the air travel costs of visiting MAC teams, a significant expense given the 2,200-mile distance between Sacramento and the nearest MAC school.

  • Sac State's move to the FBS and MAC was finalized in February 2026.
  • The university president claims the move will have a nearly $1 billion local economic impact.

The players

Sacramento State University

A public university located in Sacramento, California that is moving its football program from the FCS to the FBS and joining the Mid-American Conference.

Luke Wood

The president of Sacramento State University, who has touted the nearly $1 billion local economic impact of the school's move to the FBS and MAC.

Ross Dellenger

A sports journalist who has reported on the details of Sac State's $25 million deal to join the FBS and MAC, including the requirement to cover air travel costs for visiting MAC teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sac State is spending $25 million "for a temporary agreement to join FBS.”

— Ross Dellenger, Sports Journalist (alternativemissoula.com)

“Sac State has to cover the "air travel costs of visiting MAC teams.”

— Ross Dellenger, Sports Journalist (alternativemissoula.com)

“There will be a nearly $1 billion local impact.”

— Luke Wood, President, Sacramento State University (alternativemissoula.com)

What’s next

Sac State's move to the FBS and MAC is seen as a potential stepping stone to eventually joining the Mountain West or Pac-12 conferences, though the high upfront costs and logistical challenges have raised doubts about the viability of the plan.

The takeaway

Sac State's risky and expensive move to the FBS and MAC has sparked significant criticism, with many questioning whether the potential local economic benefits can justify the $25 million price tag and the burden of covering long-distance travel costs for visiting teams. The decision highlights the financial pressures and strategic tradeoffs facing mid-major athletic programs seeking to elevate their national profiles.