Local business leaders rally to elevate Sac State athletics to PAC-12 or Mountain West Conference

9/27/24

Leaders highlight economic and reputational gains of the potential move and building new Sac State stadium  

SACRAMENTO, CA –Local business and community leaders announced today their support for the growth of Sacramento State’s athletic programs, emphasizing the broader benefits this would bring to the region. At a press conference hosted by Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC), business leaders and public officials stressed that the potential alignment with larger athletic conferences like the PAC-12 or Mountain West—if realized—could serve as a catalyst for significant economic activity and boost the national profile of both the university and the community. 

“The Greater Sacramento region is charting the path to becoming the most successful community in California. As a top 20 media market, we have the capacity, commitment and determination to support another major sports team,” said Founder & Chairman of Fulcrum and Vice Chair of GSEC’s Board of Directors, Mark Friedman. “We are ready to show the country what Greater Sacramento has to offer.” 

 The press conference comes a day after Sacramento State announced it will build a new, 25,000-seat stadium. Once built, it will be the highest capacity stadium in the six-county region and a key milestone in elevating the university’s athletics program.  

“With the support of our business community, Sacramento State is poised to take the next step, becoming a PAC-12 athletic program. We have a strong economy of local and national businesses based here in Sacramento that help make this region thrive, and are ready to support the Hornets in their endeavor to become the next member of the PAC-12.” said SAC-12 Co-Chair and State Senator Angelique Ashby. 

Joining the PAC-12 or Mountain West Conference would drive increased visitation and heightened media exposure for the region, making Greater Sacramento an even more attractive place to live, work and do business. The potential for Sacramento State to compete at a higher athletic level would also serve as a magnet for attracting top talent to the university, including students, faculty and athletes.   

“Sports have had a transformational impact on our community. It has increased tourism, allowing us to showcase everything Sacramento has to offer,” said Eric Guerra, City of Sacramento District 6 Councilmember. “Getting Sac State into a larger conference like the PAC-12, would be a game-changing win for the university, our student athletes, and the future of our region.” 

Sacramento State is the sixth largest university in the Cal State system with a student population of over 30,000. The Sacramento State Hornets, currently members of the Big Sky Conference, won seven conference championships in 2023 and have won three consecutive football championships.  

Since 2013, Greater Sacramento’s population has grown 9.5%. Sacramento is the 20th largest media market in the country with a TV household population of over 1.5 million viewers and is expected to climb in this ranking over the coming decade. If added to the PAC-12, Sacramento would make up the largest media market in the PAC-12 conference.  

About the Greater Sacramento Economic Council

The Greater Sacramento Economic Council is the catalyst for innovative growth strategies in the Capital Region of California. The organization spearheads community-led direction to retain, attract, grow and scale tradable sectors, develop advanced industries and create jobs and investment throughout a six-county region. Greater Sacramento represents a collaboration between local and state governments, market leaders, influencers and stakeholders, with the sole mission of driving inclusive economic growth. The Greater Sacramento region was founded on discovery, built on leadership and fueled by innovation.

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