Sources: MAC nearing vote on adding Sacramento State to league as football-only member

Sacramento State is in advanced negotiations with the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to join as a football-only member, with a decision from the league’s presidents expected soon. The California-based FCS school, eager to elevate its football program to the FBS level, has proposed a substantial entry fee of over $15 million. This move follows Sacramento State's unsuccessful attempts to join other FBS conferences, such as the Mountain West and Pac-12.

The MAC, which currently has 12 member schools, is considering the addition amidst its upcoming negotiations for a new television deal with ESPN. The potential inclusion of Sacramento State aligns with recent trends where schools have paid hefty fees to join FBS conferences, as seen with North Dakota State's recent move to the Mountain West.

Sacramento State has been vocal about its ambitions to move up to FBS, although a waiver to play as an FBS independent was denied earlier. The school is transitioning from the Big Sky to the Big West, which does not sponsor