I've been trying to think of a way to avoid the very real issue of players selling the future to win now, then leaving the team to an unsuspecting new owner to have to deal with.
I have only been able to come up with one idea, which may or may not be any good.
Here it is.
1. Season Renewals
Currently you can renew your team through the "next" season.
I propose that you may NOT renew for any seasons past the current one using "free" credits. Also, that you CAN renew for up to 5 additional seasons using "paid" credits.
I think that requiring even a small financial commitment would do a lot to encourage owners to stick around. And, this is purely optional. You can still play for free if you desire.
In addition, you should be able to renew for the next season with "free" credits once the trading deadline has passed. This will allow owners who wish to stick around the ability to do so without losing their team.
2. Future Trades
Currently you can trade picks for up to 5 years in advance (I think).
I propose that you can only trade picks for the "next" season, OR any future seasons you are registered for.
Because of #1, you would have to use "paid" credits in order to be eligbile to trade picks for years beyond the next one.
I think that those two items, combined with the new balance bar that's already been implemented, will do a lot to help curb this issue.
Is this a good idea? Awful? Any other suggestions other than just limiting an owner's ability across the board?