California's capital is about to witness a groundbreaking change in college football, as Sacramento State (Sac State) gears up for a monumental move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the pinnacle of college football competition. But is this ambitious leap worth the price tag? And what does it mean for the university's future?
The Historic Move to the MAC:
Sac State Hornets are buzzing with excitement as they prepare to join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a football-only member, starting this July. This move, confirmed by sources to KCRA, is a significant step up from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and will make Sac State the first West Coast program in decades to make this transition. It's a bold move that has the potential to elevate the university's profile on a national scale.
The Cost of the Dream:
But here's where it gets controversial. The total expected cost of this move is a staggering $23 million, with $18 million going to the MAC and $5 million to the NCAA. University President Luke Wood has been a vocal advocate for this change, believing that Sac State athletics deserve a higher platform. He argues that most of the university's 21 intercollegiate sports are currently in the wrong division and should aim higher.
Wood's confidence is evident in his public statements, asserting that the university will compete at the FBS level as early as next season. However, the funding for this transition raises eyebrows. Documents reveal that Sacramento State allocated just over $11 million to its entire athletics department this year, and the university is facing a projected $2.9 million deficit. So, where will the additional funds come from?
The Economics of College Athletics:
Enter David Berri, a sports economist who sheds light on the financial dynamics of college sports. Berri points out that while college athletics may seem like a significant financial driver, they often fall short of the hype. Despite talk of NIL contracts, broadcasting deals, and attendance figures in the millions, athletics typically account for a mere 2.5% of a university's overall budget.
And yet, Berri highlights the potential benefits of conference affiliation, especially in the MAC. Weekly national television exposure can serve as a powerful advertising tool for the university. He argues that the value of this exposure far exceeds the $18 million fee, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the university to a wider audience.
The Future of Sac State Football:
The move comes on the heels of Sac State hiring new head football coach Alonzo Carter in December. If the transition is finalized, it will undoubtedly be one of the most ambitious shifts in the program's history. The Hornets will take center stage on a national level, but the cost, exposure, and long-term financial sustainability of this move will undoubtedly spark debate.
As the university embarks on this journey, one can't help but wonder: Is this a wise investment in the future of Sac State athletics, or a risky financial gamble? The answers may lie in the coming seasons, as the Hornets take flight towards their new home in the MAC.
