Cant unlock auction house due to “rivals” not being in game anymore.

Just got a Xbox and just bought nhl 23 (I know it’s a year out of date) but was just cheaper option and heard a lot of bad bout 24.. But I been playing ultimate team for first time and was excited to build my team, got to the point of trying to unlock auction house, did 2/3 objectives. But can’t play rivals to unlock it since it’s not in the game anymore. Is there anything I can do? Kinda a * off since I been trying to find anything about this and can’t find anything. You’d think they would just let the “requirements” go if the game is already outta date and considering you cant even pass the section anymore to build your team more.