We need balance between Tier 1 stability and Tier 2 sustainability
8 partnered teams + 4 ascension teams
Right now, one of the reason why tier 2 teams IN GENERAL have big gap to tier 1 teams is uncertainity fate. There are only 2 goals in tier 2, qualify to tier 2 from Ascension as a team or sell the best players to tier 1 teams.
Meanwhile Tier 1 teams maintain 80% of tier 1 players (only change teams) and let 20% tier 2 players join as rookie, this is quite effective for individual learn and growth but cause problems to tier 2 teams, and demotive the players. "I need to be outstanding as one of the best tier 2 player OR my career is over"