Sacramento State reveals blueprint to gaining FBS invitation

Sep 25, 2024, 9:32 AM

(Sacramento State)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

As whispers surrounding the possibility of Sacramento State making a jump from the FCS to the FBS continue to circulate, the university announced the results of a study that could aid their hopes of joining the PAC-12 or Mountain West conference.

Last week, a collection of local leaders in the Sacramento area announced a committee called ‘The Sac 12,’ a group that is dedicated to lifting Sacramento State athletics to the next level.

Now, the school has thrown its hat into the ring with the results of a study that outlined vital areas of focus that include facility upgrades, financial investments, and much more.

Full statement from Sacramento State on Athletics program study

SACRAMENTO, CA – Sacramento State today announced results of a feasibility study evaluating the potential for its intercollegiate athletics program to take the next step in its growth and development.

This significant step is part of the ongoing effort to ensure the continued success of Sacramento State athletics and to align with nationally successful collegiate programs.

The study, which was conducted by College Sports Solutions and commissioned in July 2023, outlines key areas of focus, including facility upgrades, financial investments, and program development.

Among the primary recommendations are enhancements to the University’s football and basketball facilities and increased resources to support student-athletes. The findings will serve as a roadmap for Sacramento State’s long-term success as the institution evaluates the best path forward.

With its recent achievements, including three consecutive Big Sky football championships, and an offering of 21 sports, Sacramento State is well positioned for continued growth. The feasibility study shows that the University’s commitment to athletics will ensure that its programs remain competitive, both regionally and nationally.

“We are energized about what this study shows regarding the future of our athletics program and its implications for the University as a whole,” said Sacramento State President Luke Wood. “Our recent accomplishments across multiple sports, coupled with the investments we are ready to make across campus, demonstrate that Sacramento State is prepared to rise to the next level. The numbers show we are on the right track, and we are enthusiastic about the possibilities ahead.”

The executive summary of the study highlights important considerations, including the need to increase scholarships for student-athletes to meet the benchmarks of top-tier programs. Additionally, it emphasizes a focus on enhancing football and basketball venues, including expanded seating, enhanced media and team areas, and increased revenue opportunities through premium seating and sponsorship. The report also outlines the importance of supporting student-athletes through Sacramento State’s strategic development of its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives.

“Our athletics program has thrived in recent years, and this study shows that we are well-positioned to continue building on that momentum,” said Mark Orr, Sacramento State’s director of Athletics. “By investing in our facilities, scholarships, and student-athlete support, we can ensure that Sacramento State remains on a strong path.”

Executive Summary

As Sacramento State considers the possibility of moving from NCAA Division I FCS to FBS status, there are a number of matters that must be examined and considered, primarily the investments needed to put the University in a position to be invited to conference currently competing at that level.

The most likely conference landing spots, as discussed throughout this review, is the Mountain West Conference or the Pacific 12 Conference.

The Mountain West Conference is currently working with the remaining Pac 12 schools (Washington State and Oregon State) on a football-related agreement. Those two schools have also negotiated an additional agreement with the West Coast Conference to compete in that conference in other sports.

Other possibilities, although seemingly remote, include the WAC, which is currently made up of FCS football-playing schools, and those two remaining Pac 12 institutions, who will be working to re-constitute the Pac 12 Conference with FBS football-playing schools.

Process

As noted in this report, any school wishing to make the jump from FCS to FBS must receive an invitation from a conference that competes at that level. Once an invitation is received, certain NCAA requirements must then be met to make the jump. Those include:

A $5M application fee
A two-year probationary period during which the school must meet certain prepatory standards, including, but not limited to:
Increasing the number of program-wide full grants-in-aid to a minimum of 210
Increasing the total amount of money spent on grants-in-aid to a minimum of $6M
Increasing football grants-in-aid to at least 90% of the maximum allowed number of 85

Facilities

Football. An essential element needed to attract the attention of an FBS conference is facilities, particularly those in the revenue-producing spectator sports. Although the current Sacramento State football stadium is more than adequate for competition at the FCS level, it is below the standards that would be necessary in FBS football and the Mountain West Conference or Pac-12 Conference. In addition to the need for increased capacity, upgrades in several other areas will be needed. Revenue generation from club areas, suites and other premium seating will be desired. Media areas, locker rooms, and medical areas will need review and upgrades. Additional sponsorship opportunities via permanent and temporary signage, LED and scoreboard advertising, and other advertising opportunities, will be important elements to help maximize the revenue potential at the FBS level.

Basketball. The basketball venue must be similarly improved. Capacity will need to be increased, and again, revenue opportunities such as premium seating, suites, and additional advertising should be built into the plan. Improved scoreboard, locker rooms and press areas will be also be essential. This will provide an attractive venue for both basketball and volleyball.

Our understanding is that there are current plans to dramatically improve the arena, providing an improved home for those sports as well as the entire university community. We encourage that, as it will be a necessary element of any attempt to join a Division I FBS conference.