In the college game, we have a “ team prestige” setting that appears to heavily influence the attractiveness of certain teams over others when landing recruits. What factors ‘if any’ do teams have in the pro game that might have a similar impact when attracting free agents, hiring better rated staff, or making players more willing to sign longer term contracts? The only thing I can think of are recent wins and losses and attributes related to the General Managers: negotiating, persuasion, scouting.

JDB wrote:In the college game, we have a “ team prestige” setting that appears to heavily influence the attractiveness of certain teams over others when landing recruits. What factors ‘if any’ do teams have in the pro game that might have a similar impact when attracting free agents, hiring better rated staff, or making players more willing to sign longer term contracts? The only thing I can think of are recent wins and losses and attributes related to the General Managers: negotiating, persuasion, scouting.

I've also assumed the same as you, but I think it might also be impacted by player traits, coaching teams' play style, etc. I don't recall seeing anything specific in my FA contract offer emails, but it would be cool to get some feedback to FA or pre-FA contract offers on why they may not like the offer and/or if coach plans and styles impact their decisions.

Short answer: it's money

Longer answer: it's money, but also modified by morale, team standings, recent championships, playing time, other personality preferences...