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Reports: Sacramento State Joining MAC This Year as Football-only Member
Sacramento State will pay $23 million to join the Mid-American Conference as a football-only member, aiming for national TV exposure and higher competition starting next season.
- Sources confirmed to KCRA that Sacramento State will move to the Football Bowl Subdivision and join the MAC as a football-only member starting this year.
- Facing documents showing limited funds, University President Luke Wood presses ahead despite a $23 MILLION entry package, just over $11 million athletics allocation this year, and a projected $2.9 million deficit.
- Weekly national TV exposure from the MAC offers nationwide advertising value, while David Berri, sports economist and professor at Southern Utah University, said athletics typically represent about 2.5% of a university's budget; the move follows hiring Alonzo Carter, new head football coach, in December.
- Documents show Sacramento State is raising questions about funding the $23 MILLION entry fee for the move, amid an athletics budget just over $11 million this year.
- The university's timeline aims for FBS competition next season, with President Luke Wood stating the expectation to compete as soon as next year, making it a rare West Coast transition.
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siouxfallslive.com
siouxfallslive.comZimmer: Sacramento State deal to join MAC not something SDSU, USD should look to emulate
SIOUX FALLS — All throughout the 2025 football season, Sacramento State president Dr. Luke Wood insisted his Hornets program would be in the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2026, despite little evidence to support the claim. Congratulations, Hornets. You got your wish. Today all of us that doubted you are eating crow. I mean, sure, your school has to pay $18 million just to join the Mid-American Conference (MAC), plus the $5 million reclassificatio…
·Fairfield, United States
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UB Bulls welcome Sacramento State as newest MAC football member
The University at Buffalo Bulls will have an additional Mid-American Conference football foe in Sacramento State, starting in the 2026 season. The MAC announced a five-year term with Sacramento State as a football-only affiliate member Monday.
·Buffalo, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left0Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
C 60%
R 40%
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