Sacramento State Football Joins MAC in $23 Million Deal

The move marks a significant moment in college athletics as schools increasingly view conference affiliation as a strategic investment.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has officially added Sacramento State as a football-only member, beginning July 1, 2026. The $23 million deal, which includes an $18 million entry fee and a $5 million NCAA transition payment, highlights the growing trend of schools viewing conference affiliation as an investment rather than just a partnership. This move aims to elevate Sacramento State's national profile and provide the MAC with a foothold on the West Coast.

Why it matters

The rising cost of conference membership demonstrates the financial pressures and strategic moves driving institutions to climb the ranks of college football. Higher-level conference membership often translates to increased media exposure, more lucrative sponsorship opportunities, and enhanced recruiting potential, making it an attractive investment for schools like Sacramento State.

The details

The $23 million price tag for Sacramento State to join the MAC compares to recent moves by North Dakota State ($12.5 million to the Mountain West) and SMU (forgoing nine years of television revenue to join the ACC). This willingness to spend significant capital highlights the growing view of conference affiliation as a strategic investment rather than just a partnership. For Sacramento State, the move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) represents a 'bold leap into the future,' as stated by university president Luke Wood, aiming to elevate the university's profile nationally.

  • Sacramento State will officially join the MAC on July 1, 2026.

The players

Sacramento State

A university in California that is joining the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a football-only member.

Mid-American Conference (MAC)

A collegiate athletic conference that is adding Sacramento State as a football-only member, marking the first West Coast program to make the jump to the highest level of football in well over a generation.

Luke Wood

The president of Sacramento State University, who stated that the move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) represents a 'bold leap into the future' for the university.

Geoffrey S. Mearns

The Council of Presidents Chair and President of Ball State University, who noted that the addition of Sacramento State 'strengthens our competitive profile and creates value for the membership' of the MAC.

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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)

What’s next

The MAC's strategic expansion with the addition of Sacramento State provides the conference with a foothold on the West Coast, potentially broadening its fan base and attracting new revenue streams.

The takeaway

Sacramento State's $23 million investment to join the MAC as a football-only member highlights the growing trend of schools viewing conference affiliation as a strategic move to elevate their national profile and secure more lucrative opportunities, rather than just a partnership.