The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is about to shake things up with a groundbreaking decision! Sources reveal that the MAC presidents have voted to welcome Sacramento State's football program into their league, but with a twist. This move will cost Sacramento State a whopping $18 million, with a total entry cost of $23 million, including NCAA fees. But here's where it gets intriguing: Sacramento State is making history as the first West Coast football program in over a generation to ascend to the pinnacle of college football.
Sacramento State's president, Luke Wood, has been vocal about their ambitions, stating that they aim to bring major college football to their university, students, and the entire Sacramento region. This move ensures the MAC maintains its 13-school structure, filling the void left by Northern Illinois' departure to the Mountain West.
But this isn't just about numbers; it's a trend-setter. Schools like SMU, Cal, and Stanford have paved the way by sacrificing television revenue or accepting reduced payments to join prestigious leagues. And now, Sacramento State follows suit, becoming the second school in a week to make such a move, after North Dakota State's $12.5 million transition to the Mountain West.
However, this trend raises questions. As smaller leagues grapple with retaining top talent in football and men's basketball due to relaxed transfer rules and NIL opportunities, is this the right time for such costly moves? Sacramento State, a recent FCS powerhouse with playoff wins in 2022 and 2023, is taking a bold step, even after facing NCAA waiver denials.
With the school's aggressive pursuit of top talent, including hiring former NBA star Mike Bibby as men's basketball coach, Sacramento State is leaving no stone unturned. But will this gamble pay off? The coming years will reveal if Sacramento State's ambitious leap was a strategic masterstroke or a costly endeavor. What do you think? Is this the right move for Sacramento State, or should they have stayed put?
