BOZEMAN — Montana State will receive $1.25 million for its 2027 Vegas Kickoff Classic football game against North Dakota State, according to a copy of the game contract obtained by 406 MT Sports.

The seven-figure participation fee — paid by ESPN Productions, Inc. — is the largest MSU has ever received, to the knowledge of athletic director Leon Costello.

The MSU-NDSU game is scheduled for a date to be determined between Sept. 2-4, 2027, at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium. The Bobcats and Bison have met seven times this century, including six times in the FCS playoffs and twice in the national title game (2021 and 2024).

"We are excited to showcase the best of the FCS in Las Vegas when we play NDSU in Allegiant Stadium in 2027," Costello wrote in an email Wednesday

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