What is the economic impact of Sacramento State's bold FBS move? Financial estimates raise questions
CBS Sports
by
Richard Johnson
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sacramento State’s move to the MAC, set to begin in July 2026, has sparked significant debate over its projected economic impact. While the school claims this transition will generate $975 million in athletic economic impact over five years, experts question these figures. The university’s estimates include a $675 million increase in national broadcast valuation and $46 million boost in game-day revenue. However, Russell Wright of Collegiate Consulting, who conducted the original study, disputes these numbers. He asserts that the $975 million figure is an overstatement, as his report focused on past data rather than future projections.
The university’s financial projections are based on a flawed interpretation of the consulting firm’s findings. The study initially analyzed Sacramento State’s economic impact over the last three and a half years, calculating an average annual revenue of $62 million. When the school requested a projection for its FBS transition, Collegiate Consulting estimated a potential jump in external revenue by 119% and broadcast exposure by 1,312%, leading to an annual economic impact of $195 million. However, Wright emphasizes that these figures were not extrapolated over five years in their report.
The discrepancies between the consulting firm’s findings and the university’s claims raise concerns about the accuracy of Sacramento State’s financial strategy. While the move could enhance the school’s visibility and revenue streams, the inflated projections may mislead stakeholders about the true economic benefits. This situation highlights the importance of transparency in financial planning for collegiate athletics and underscores the risks of overestimating potential gains.
For sports fans and stakeholders, this matters because it questions the sustainability of Sacramento State’s decision to join the MAC. If the projected revenue is significantly overstated, it could impact the school’s ability to meet financial obligations or invest in academic programs. The controversy also highlights the challenges of accurately predicting the economic outcomes of collegiate athletic transitions.
In summary, while Sacramento State’s move to the MAC may bring opportunities for increased revenue and exposure, the university’s financial projections appear to be based on flawed assumptions. This raises important questions about the school’s strategy and the potential long-term economic impact of its decision.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026