Sacramento State's FBS Move Raises Financial Questions

Estimates of economic impact and broadcast revenue may be overstated, experts say

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Sacramento State University is set to become the 138th FBS program when it joins the MAC in 2026. The school has touted the potential economic benefits of the move, including a $975 million increase in athletic economic impact over five years and $675 million in national broadcast valuation. However, experts say these projections may be grossly overestimated, with the actual broadcast exposure impact likely closer to $81-$108 million annually. The move will also come with significant costs, including a $5 million fee to the NCAA and $18 million to the MAC. While the school claims no student fees or general funds will be used, the timing and feasibility of the move have raised questions.

Why it matters

Sacramento State's bold move to the FBS level and the MAC conference is a high-stakes gamble that could have major implications for the university's finances and athletics program. The school's rosy economic projections have been called into question, raising concerns about whether the potential benefits will truly materialize or if the costs may outweigh the rewards. This story highlights the complexities and risks involved in a Group of Six school's transition to the FBS level.

The details

According to the study commissioned by Sacramento State, the school's annual athletic economic impact is projected to skyrocket from an average of $62 million per year at the FCS level to $194.4 million per year once it transitions to FBS. This is primarily due to a 119% increase in external revenue and a 1,312% increase in broadcast exposure impact. However, experts say the school has overestimated these figures, with the actual broadcast exposure impact likely closer to $81-$108 million annually based on more realistic MAC television ratings. The move will also come with significant costs, including a $5 million fee to the NCAA, $18 million to the MAC (with $6 million due upfront), and covering opponent travel costs estimated at $800,000 per year. The school claims no student fees or general funds will be used, but the overall feasibility and timing of the move have raised questions.

  • Sacramento State will officially join the MAC on July 1, 2026.
  • The school was initially planning for the FBS move to happen in 2027 but accelerated the timeline.
  • The announcement came after the transfer portal window had closed, leaving little time for the new coach to augment the roster.

The players

Dr. J Luke Wood

President of Sacramento State University.

Mark Orr

Athletic director of Sacramento State University.

Russell Wright

CEO of Collegiate Consulting, the firm that conducted the economic impact study for Sacramento State.

Alonzo Carter

First-year head football coach of Sacramento State University.

Jon Steinbrecher

Commissioner of the MAC conference.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think that's right. That's not anywhere in our report, so I 100% question that.”

— Russell Wright, CEO of Collegiate Consulting (CBS Sports)

“What does this mean if we're on TV? We need folks to track how many people are going to the site. How many are students? If it's some crazy win, do you have an uptick in [donor] advancement? Do you have an uptick in any game day sales? The numbers by themselves, to your point, unless there's something actionable after the fact it's not really economic impact, it's more economic valuation.”

— Russell Wright, CEO of Collegiate Consulting (CBS Sports)

“It's history, and most important is history during Black History Month, you know when you combine those two things it made it so humbling. It's just such a blessing to be in the seat. You know. My kids' kids will be able to talk about this. We notice the statistics and the number, if I'm not mistaken, I make number 13 as far as African-American head coaches on the FBS level currently.”

— Alonzo Carter, Head Football Coach, Sacramento State University (CBS Sports)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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