SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento State University, the city’s business community and political leaders are all in on joining the PAC-12.
Less than 24 hours after Sacramento State University announced plans to build a new football and multi-use stadium, another press conference from the city’s business community and politicians was held.
They’re showing support for the university to join the PAC-12.
But time is ticking, the PAC-12 only has to take on one more team, totaling eight, to meet NCAA standards. The deadline to do this is July 1, 2026. The PAC-12 could take more teams, this would help raise its profile as a conference.
Lance Hastings, the CEO & President of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association, called on his fellow Sacramento State Alumni to show their support.
“They (PAC-12) are making those decisions right now, so that’s why this campaign is more important than it ever has been and the intensity of it is going to be felt across the community in the next couple weeks,” said Hastings.
But leaders say Sacramento has something the PAC-12 needs.
Barry Broome is the President of the Great Sacramento Economic Council and is also a key supporter in the A’s move to Sutter Health Park. He believes playing in a higher-ranked sports conference will raise the profile of the university, which in turn will help with recruitment, donations and raise the reputation.
“We are one of the top 20 TV markets in the United States. So if PAC-12 wants TV ratings, they are going to have to have a team in a big enough market to help with ratings,” said Broome.
There is a cost for going to the PAC-12.
The business community and SAC-12 executive council estimate they will need $50 million for a competitive “name in likeness” or NIL program and $5.25 million for conference joining fees.
With the California State University System facing budget cuts, the economic council says monetizing sports is a solution.
“Sac State builds out an athletic program to include more student involvement soccer is a great example which student soccer will play here you are going to be able to pay for that now through the revenue of a PAC-12 caliber football team,” said Broome.
The hope is the new football stadium, community support and recent sports deals in Sacramento, like the A’s coming to Sutter Health Park, are enough to show the PAC-12 Sacramento has a high sports profile.
Another massive question Sacramento State needs to answer is hosting Division One basketball. The University’s current gym cannot. The SAC-12 council said they want to secure funding but Friday Broome said personally playing in Golden One Center would be a great alternative and the city could get more use out of that space.
The PAC-12 sent ABC10 the following statement:
"The Pac-12 Conference takes pride in celebrating institutions like Sacramento State and their vibrant communities for their commitment to advancing collegiate athletics and enriching the student-athlete experience. We appreciate the continuous interest and outreach from numerous universities who are interested in joining the conference. Out of respect for our members and to maintain the integrity of our process, we strive to refrain from commenting on specific institutions until we can share official announcements."
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