UMassHoops.com

BeatWestern! wrote: As I have said previously and most of you are aware, the current MAC MMR with ESPN is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2027. IF the MAC is going to expand, it will most definitely be tied to a new and improved MMR deal, effective July 1, 2027. Moving to 14 with "additive" schools not only helps improve the MMR, it makes scheduling easier for the conference and could also strengthen the MBB NET.

Below are three groupings (A, B and C) of a 4-3-4-3 football scheduling arrangement. All three would work well, IMHO. Do you have a preference among the three, or perhaps one slightly different among the three? Potential new members are listed in bold.

A
Buffalo
UMass
Akron
Kent State

Ohio
Miami
Toledo
Bowling Green

Ball State
Illinois State
Western Kentucky

Central Michigan
Eastern Michigan
Western Michigan

B
Buffalo
UMass
Akron
Kent State

Ohio
Miami
Toledo
BGSU

Ball State
MTSU
WKU

CMU
EMU
WMU

C
Buffalo
UMass
Delaware

Akron
Kent State
Toledo
BGSU

Ohio
Miami
Ball State
WKU

CMU
EMU
WMU

Negotiations between officials from Sacramento State and the Mid-American Conference have intensified over an expansion agreement that is now nearing a vote from the league’s presidents.

In deep discussion with the California-based FCS school for more than a week now, MAC executives are reaching the point of a final decision on a move that would bring a windfall to current member schools. Sacramento State’s entry fee is expected to be more than $15 million.

Multiple sources with knowledge of the potential agreement spoke to Yahoo Sports under condition of anonymity. Officials at Sacramento State declined to comment. Those in the MAC also declined comment, citing a standard policy of not discussing expansion.

California State University, Sacramento (CSUS, Sacramento State, or informally Sac State) is a public university in Sacramento, California, United States. Founded in 1947 as Sacramento State College,[8] it is part of the California State University system.

The university enrolls approximately 30,100 students annually, with 30,833 enrolled in the fall of 2024.[5] It also has an alumni base of more than 290,000[5] and awards 9,000 degrees annually. The university offers 151 different bachelor's degree programs, 69 master's degree programs, 28 types of teaching credentials, and 5 doctoral degree programs.[9][10]

The campus sits on 305 acres (123 ha), covered with over 3,500 trees and over 1,200 resting in the University Arboretum.[11] The university is home to one site of the National Register of Historic Places, the Julia Morgan House.

Sacramento State University (Sac State) is not classified as an R1 institution, but rather as an R2 (Doctoral University: High Research Activity). As of February 2025, it joined other CSU campuses in this designation based on its research funding, which exceeded $28 million in 2023. R1 represents "Very High" research activity, while R2 represents "High".
Key Details Regarding Sac State's Classification:

Designation: R2 (High Research Activity).

Status: In February 2025, Sacramento State was officially recognized for its increased research and doctorate production.

Data: In fiscal year 2023, the institution received $28 million in research funding and produced 26 research doctorates.

Comparison: While many CSUs are R2, only a very limited number of institutions in California achieve the R1 ("Very High Research Activity") status.

Steve81 wrote: Wed Dec 17, 2025 4:54 pm Feel your voices are important. BeatWestern, who I believe as access to the MAC office posted this thread. Create a sign in if you want to vote on the MAC board. It is not a poll but comments.
https://csnbbs.com/thread-1022160.html

BeatWestern! wrote: As I have said previously and most of you are aware, the current MAC MMR with ESPN is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2027. IF the MAC is going to expand, it will most definitely be tied to a new and improved MMR deal, effective July 1, 2027. Moving to 14 with "additive" schools not only helps improve the MMR, it makes scheduling easier for the conference and could also strengthen the MBB NET.

Below are three groupings (A, B and C) of a 4-3-4-3 football scheduling arrangement. All three would work well, IMHO. Do you have a preference among the three, or perhaps one slightly different among the three? Potential new members are listed in bold.

A
Buffalo
UMass
Akron
Kent State

Ohio
Miami
Toledo
Bowling Green

Ball State
Illinois State
Western Kentucky

Central Michigan
Eastern Michigan
Western Michigan

B
Buffalo
UMass
Akron
Kent State

Ohio
Miami
Toledo
BGSU

Ball State
MTSU
WKU

CMU
EMU
WMU

C
Buffalo
UMass
Delaware

Akron
Kent State
Toledo
BGSU

Ohio
Miami
Ball State
WKU

CMU
EMU
WMU

Sheck wrote: Sat Feb 14, 2026 10:13 pm It's official!

https://x.com/petethamel/status/2022859718960594983

Pete Thamel
@PeteThamel
Sources: The MAC has voted to formally add FCS Sacramento State into the league as a football-only member starting in 2026. The cost of entrance is expected to be $18 million and a deal is expected to be announced in the upcoming days

Old Cage wrote: Sun Feb 15, 2026 8:53 am To balance this conversation, go read the X post - and so far 24 comments - from @TheHerdBros. It talks about the desperation of the MAC and about the top teams that are expected to leave. Maybe all the folks posting there are bozos. I have no idea.

Old Cage wrote: Sun Feb 15, 2026 9:36 am Zoo - No part of what I wrote mentioned us being dropped. Why did you focus on that ONE comment on X? Strange response from you.

wmmmfan wrote: Sun Feb 15, 2026 12:03 pm Interesting development, brings in a top 20 media market for the current tv negotiations. Gives the conference $18M to aide future members with their buyouts. Brings conference exposure to the West Coast. I don’t see any downside here for the conference.