Sources: Sacramento State making aggressive effort to join FBS league, proposing an eight-figure entry fee

Last summer, Memphis, along with corporate sponsors, offered up to $200 million to join the Big 12 conference, a move that highlighted the potential strategy of buying entry into a power conference. Despite the bold offer, the Big 12 chose not to expand. Following Memphis's example, Sacramento State is attempting to join a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conference by proposing an eight-figure entry fee and forgoing league revenues. The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is reportedly considering this proposal, while others like the Mountain West and Pac-12 have declined.

Sacramento State, part of the California State System with about 30,000 students, is pushing for FBS status amid financial stress in many universities, particularly low-budget MAC schools. The school has offered over $10 million in entry fees, not including the $5 million NCAA fee for moving from FCS to FBS, a significant increase from past fees. This proposal mirrors SMU's strategy that facilitated their move to the