PROPOSAL: THE FOUNDATION PROMOTION SYSTEM

Objective: To allow promoted managers to bring over 2 keepers while protecting the 12-team Legacy economy and respecting existing contracts.

I. The "Legacy First" Priority (The JSN Rule)

The Legacy League has the Right of First Refusal on all talent.

• The Scenario: Both a Legacy manager and a promoted manager want to keep Jaxson Smith-Njigba (JSN).

• The Ruling: Because the Legacy manager is a veteran of the 12-team league, they have priority. The promoted team's request for JSN is Denied.

• The Result: The promoted manager must select a different player from their roster who is not being claimed by a Legacy team.

II. Legacy Contract Continuity (The Bijan Rule)

To prevent "contract laundering," player status is permanent across both leagues.

• The Scenario: A promoted manager wants to keep Bijan Robinson (who was a keeper for a Legacy team in 2025).

• The Ruling: Because Bijan was already under a keeper contract in the Legacy League last year, he is considered Legacy Property.

• The Result: He is Ineligible to be kept by a promoted team. He must either stay with his Legacy owner (if eligible) or return to the Auction pool. This prevents high-value assets from being "snuck" into the league at lower prices.

III. The Arbitration Zone (The Gibbs Rule)

For players who are eligible (not a previous keeper and not claimed by a veteran), we negotiate a fair "Big League" price.

• The Scenario: A promoted manager wants to keep Jahmyr Gibbs.

  • Foundation Floor (8-Team Price): $56

  • Legacy Ceiling (12-Team Market): $100

• The Negotiation: The Arbitrator will set a price between $56 and $100.

• The Likely Ruling: $78. * The Result: The manager gets a $22 discount compared to the open Legacy market, but pays an entry fee that reflects the tougher competition of the 12-team league.