MAC Presidents have voted to formally add FCS sacramento state as a football-only member of the league starting in 2026, sources told ESPN.
According to sources, the cost of entry is expected to be $18 million, and a deal is expected to be announced in the coming days. Overall, the total cost of admission is expected to be $23 million, as Sacramento State will also have to pay an additional $5 million to the NCAA to proceed.
This is an important step for Sacramento State, as it will be the first West Coast football program to make the jump to the highest level of football in over a generation.
Sacramento State has been aggressive in its pursuit of this level, with President Luke Wood saying this summer: “We believe that our university, our students and the entire Sacramento region deserve major college football.”
The move will leave MAC at 13 schools. it will replace northern illinoisJoe is headed to the Mountain West in football next year.
It also reflects the tendency for schools to pay money to move up in the league. smu Paved the way, as it decided to give up nine years of television revenue to join the ACC. period And stanford Also accepted less money to join ACC.
The move is Sacramento State’s second in the past week North Dakota State Finalized a move to the Mountain West. That move cost $12.5 million. On a smaller scale, Northern Illinois paid a $2 million entry fee to join the Mountain West.
The payout to leagues like the MAC and Mountain West comes at a time when revenue is scarce, as smaller leagues have struggled to retain top talent in football and men’s basketball since schools’ ability to pay players through waivers and revenue share has been reduced to transfer rules.
Sacramento State’s recent history in the FCS includes wins in the FCS playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. The school will get its fourth coach this year from 2022 onwards, as it has hired Arizona Assistant Alonzo Carter.
Sacramento State has been persistent in its effort since the NCAA last year refused to allow Sacramento State to play as an independent. While in need of a conference invitation, the school has received an invitation for the 2026 season. Sacramento will not be eligible for the postseason for two years due to the state change.
Wood and athletic director Mark Orr are looking to take advantage of the area’s top 20 television market. The school hired Mike Bibby as men’s basketball coach and has been aggressive in pursuing high-profile names.
Sacramento State’s non-football sports will be placed in the Big West, which it will join in 2026–27.
Yahoo Sports was the first to report discussions between Mack and Sacramento State.
