Sacramento State's FBS Jump Sends Shockwaves - And Brings a New Chapter for Mike Bibby
Sacramento State made headlines with a bold leap on Valentine’s Day, announcing its move to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and officially stepping into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). But this isn’t just a football story - the ripple effects are being felt far beyond the gridiron, including in the world of college basketball, where former Sacramento Kings star Mike Bibby is quietly building something of his own.
Let’s break it down.
Hornets Football Joins the MAC - A Coast-to-Coast First
After months of speculation surrounding Sacramento State’s FBS future - with the new-look Pac-12 and the Mountain West both floated as potential landing spots - the Hornets pulled off a surprise by heading east. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the MAC will officially welcome Sacramento State football, making the Hornets the first-ever West Coast program in a traditionally Midwest-based conference.
The move doesn’t come cheap. The reported price tag for the transition sits between $18 million and $23 million, but it’s a significant investment in the Hornets’ future. The MAC gets a foothold in a top-20 TV market, and Sacramento State gets a seat at the FBS table.
But while the football team heads east, Mike Bibby and the basketball program are taking a different path.
Mike Bibby’s Squad Is Headed to the Big West
Bibby, who lit up the hardwood for the Kings in the early 2000s and now coaches Sacramento State’s men’s basketball team, will finish out one final season in the Big Sky Conference. After that, beginning in the 2026-27 season, the Hornets’ hoops program will join the Big West - a move that keeps them closer to home and sets up some intriguing new (and old) rivalries.
Most notably, the move reignites the Causeway Cup rivalry with UC Davis, this time as a conference matchup. The Aggies made the switch to the Big West back in 2007, and now the longtime local rivalry will carry even more weight with league implications on the line.
The Hornets have been part of the Big Sky since 1996, but that chapter officially closes on July 1, 2026. As the football team heads to the MAC, the basketball program shifts into a conference that’s already home to several California State University schools - including Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, Cal State Bakersfield, and Cal State Northridge. Sacramento State becomes the fifth CSU to join the Big West, strengthening that intra-system competition.
What This Means for Bibby and the Program
Let’s be clear: this is a big opportunity for Bibby.
His team is currently sitting at 9-16 overall, but the shift to the Big West could be a catalyst for growth. The conference offers strong regional competition, a clearer recruiting footprint in California, and a more natural travel schedule - all factors that can help a program take the next step.
And Bibby’s already been laying the groundwork. He’s made notable progress in improving Sacramento State’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape, even tapping into his NBA connections - including some involvement from his old on-court rival, Shaquille O’Neal. That kind of backing can make a difference in attracting talent, especially in a competitive California basketball scene.
The Hornets’ move to the Big West also gives Bibby a more visible platform. The conference has produced NCAA Tournament teams and has a track record of showcasing high-level mid-major talent. If Bibby can continue to build momentum, this move could mark a turning point not just for the program, but for his own coaching trajectory.
A New Era in Sacramento
In the shadow of Golden 1 Center and the Sacramento Kings, something new is brewing across town. Sacramento State is making bold moves - on the football field and the basketball court - and Mike Bibby is right in the middle of it.
The Hornets are stepping onto a bigger stage, and for Bibby, it’s a chance to elevate his program in a way that feels both ambitious and grounded in local pride. The path forward won’t be easy, but with new rivalries, stronger competition, and some high-profile backing, the pieces are in place for Sacramento State to make noise - and for Bibby to lead the charge.