Financial System & Stadium Upgrade Suggestion For CFB 26

CFB26 Feature Suggestion: Financial System and Program Upgrades

 Hello CFB 25 Community and Moderators,

              My hope is that this forum contribution reaches the eyes and influence of anyone tied to the development of CFB 26. Having played the game - more specifically Dynasty mode for almost 500 hours since its release, I have had very few issues with the mode’s playability. However, one major issue arises as I take on what should be the most enjoyable venture of the game mode. That venture being the challenge of growing the worst team in college football into the country’s powerhouse of all powerhouses.

              The issue does not arise in recruiting, or gameplay, or aesthetics, but in the mere progression of the program. Championships, bowl games, televised games, top recruiting classes, and general success at Kennesaw State deserve much more than the game currently provides. In the game’s current state, these measures of success increase team grades and subsequent recruiting, leading to more success. Championships can be won, top recruits can be brought in, program prestige can be maxed out and yet Kennesaw State will forever play in front of a crowd of 10,000 fans … This lack of program/stadium/amenity upgrade is the root concern of mine that I believe can be fixed by a financial system in Dynasty Mode. I will provide some points that I hope outline the reality and potential for this system.

A Baseline for NIL

              With Carson Beck going to Miami for $4 Million and Archie Manning Making $3 Million in Texas, the request by fans to have NIL in the game is understandable. However, with ongoing bouts in the courtroom, and NIL’s ‘fluid’ nature throughout the CFB landscape, keeping the feature “in development” by the game developers is also very understandable. I believe a financial system in CFB26 Dynasty Mode can act as a happy compromise and more importantly, a foundation for NIL’s inevitable addition in the game’s future.

Financial Systems In Other Games

              While I’d love to make hot dogs $10.00 as in past Madden titles, I don’t think CFB needs that kind of financial system. Instead, I believe CFB needs a financial system similar to Manager Mode in FC 24. I have spent some time in that game and game mode in England’s Premier League. In that experience I found that as I progressed through the FA Cup I received messages of prize financial rewards. At the end of the league schedule I received another message of a financial reward that varied with how I finished in the Premier League. I believe that this specific Financial System coupled with program/stadium upgrades would maximize Dynasty’s immersion and re-playbility.

The FC 24 Financial System in CFB 26

              Thanks to the downfall of the PAC 12, the CFB world understands the impact TV deals have on CFB conferences and the Universities they support. I believe every conference can be assigned a “TV Deal” and accompanying dollar amount distributed to the schools just for being in the Conference based on Conference prestige (which is already tracked by the game for recruiting purposes). For example, the SEC gives $14 million to its teams and the Sun Belt Conference gives $1 Million or nothing and forces its teams to make money in other ways like playing power 4 teams. If “TV Deal” causes too many copyright issues, just a dollar amount would work wonders.

              CFB 25 also tracks “Nationally Televised Games” to influence brand exposure as you recruit. I believe these games could reward the user with a less substantial financial prize, either as those specific games are played or at the end of the season in a lump sum.

               It is well-known throughout College Football that Northern Illinois was paid $1.4 Million to play Notre Dame this year in this season’s biggest upset. “Buy-Games” are common-place in CFB and could be introduced in CFB 26. Low major schools are locked behind a price tag when you’re scheduling them to play you in Tuscaloosa. On the flip side UL Monroe sees scheduling as a bidding war. “Who will pay us the most to beat us to a pulp?” Pay the money or play the harder schedule? Get beat to a pulp for a few million dollars or try your odds at 12-0 and CFP spot for your source of revenue?

               Primarily, financial prizes can be given for how teams finish within their conference. In FC 24’s Manager mode I received financial prizes of $10Million to $143 Million depending on how I finished in the Premier League. Subsequent Financial Prizes could be given for participating in a Bowl Game and then extra for winning said Bowl Game including large amounts for winning the National Championship.

               In FC 24 this prize money is used to sign players throughout the world. Instead, I believe this money can be used to build up our program in Dynasty mode. If I’m building up Kennesaw State, I could upgrade seating capacity and athletic facilities to rival that of the Power 4 schools. If I reach maximum seating/stadium upgrades or if I’m Georgia, money could be used in other ways. If I’m already celebrated by 100,000 fans at home games, prize money could be used to influence currently uninfluenceable school traits like Academic Prestige and Campus Lifestyle at a steeper cost. Money could even follow the current coach progression model and just overflow into the school with no further upgrades available.

Conclusion

              All in all, the rejuvenation of the College Football title has been a great experience. And honestly, this is a selfish suggestion. This is what I thoroughly believe will maximize my enjoyment with the game and my immersion. I hope that if this does reach a mover and shaker in the development of CFB 26 that you will deeply consider the implementation of this system, both for my own indulgence and for the betterment of the CFB Dynasty mode community.

              My best regards to whoever read this contribution. Thank you for creating or adding to this CFB community. You are what’s so great about this sport.