SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It’s full steam ahead as Sacramento State continues to make its play to join the Pac-12 Conference.
ABC10 was given the media market study the Sac 12 Committee gave to the Pac-12.
Joshua Wood, the co-chair of the Sac 12, makes the case Sacramento is the most underserved sports market. There are no FBS schools and as for professional sports, it's just the Sacramento Kings until the A’s start playing at Sutter Health Park in 2025.
“(We) would be the second strongest media market in the Pac-12, we have the most buying power,” said Wood.
The budget and potential revenue is something to look at.
According to the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, in 2023, Hornet Athletic expenses were $45.3 million.
The Sac 12 proposes an athletic budget of $60 million in 2026. ABC10 asked if the expenses of a new conference will exceed the revenue.
“Pac-12, we know that the Pac-12 is actively looking for a new media deal and we know that the deal should be a part of it would be a revenue generator for us. The math is actually pretty clear on that,” said Wood.
In the past, students have expressed frustration with the amount of money and focus now being put on athletics.
Woods says he sees the recent approval of increased student fees as a nod there is some student support.
“They chose to make that investment. I’m happy that they did because that was their choice in participating and making what I can say as an alumni and someone who wants to see this grow is this investment will pay a massive return to the community,” said Wood.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: New PAC-12 term sheet reveals what Sacramento State is getting themselves into
