Following months of speculation and rumors, it’s official: Sacramento State football is moving from the FCS to the FBS.
Sacramento State has announced that its football program will join the Mid-American Conference beginning this coming season, as the Hornets are set to make history by making the leap into the FBS — a move the program has been eyeing for some time.
During an interview with Sactown Sports’ Jason Ross, Sacramento State Athletic Director Mark Orr described the move as “historic” not only for the university but for the broader Sacramento region, noting that the investment reflects a long-term vision for Sacramento State football and its community.
“This community has been thirsting for big-time sports,” Orr said. “I’m just so proud to bring the highest level of college football — FBS football — not only to Sacramento State, but to this entire region, in the face of a lot of folks who said it wouldn’t happen.”
(Sacramento State)
When asked why Sacramento State football landed in the MAC instead of other conferences, Orr pointed to alignment, competitive quality, and exposure. He cited the MAC’s history of talented players and national presence, saying the conference’s vision “would be a good fit for Sacramento State.”
“MAC football is great football,” Orr said. “The more we learned about their vision, the more it became clear this… aligns perfectly with Sacramento State.”
The financial strategy behind Sacramento State football’s leap was a major topic. Orr emphasized that the move won’t rely on student fees or state funds but will be funded through revenue generated by the football program itself — including game guarantees, corporate partnerships, and increased football-related income.
“There will be no student fees, no state funds, and nothing taken away from the quality education we provide,” he said.
“This is an institutional investment.”
Orr explained that game guarantees — where another school pays to play at Sacramento — will be a key revenue source, contrasting FCS guarantee levels with what an FBS status opens up.
Sacramento State football’s current guarantee for a road game against Fresno State pays roughly $400,000; FBS guarantees often top seven figures. He also pointed to growing donor interest and corporate support as part of the funding picture.
National exposure played a big role in the decision, with the MAC’s television footprint offering Sacramento State football visibility it has rarely had before.
“An external economic impact study estimated $195 million in media value annually from MAC exposure alone,” Orr said.
Improving facilities is also part of the discussion. Short-term upgrades at Hornet Stadium are planned to enhance the spectator and visiting team experience, and Sacramento State athletic officials continue to explore a permanent stadium solution at Cal Expo to support the elevated status of Sacramento State football.
“We’re investing over $3 million into Hornet Stadium this year — expanding end-zone seating, adding more padded seats, improving the visiting team locker room, suites, video boards, concessions, and restrooms,” said Orr when asked about the upcoming changes to Hornet Stadium.
“Our permanent home for Sacramento State football is still under exploration at Cal Expo. We’re working on feasibility studies and hope to continue progressing toward a permanent stadium solution,” Orr said.
Be sure to check out the entire interview with Sacramento State Athletic Director Mark Orr at the top of this page, or on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube channel.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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