PART 1
Team Formation & Franchise Process
1. Tournament Overview
The NAPCL 2026 Championship is a 10-team franchise-based professional carrom tournament. All teams are formed before a single franchise dollar is spent — ensuring competitive balance through structure, not chance. The process is governed by the 9-Step Team Formation Framework documented in this handbook.
Player Tier Structure — 60 Active Players
| Tier | Label | Count | Role in Formation | Salary Points | Notes |
|---|
| G1 | Marquee / Elite | 10 players | Team Captains | 60 pts | ★ Captain — 1 per team |
| G2 | Highly Skilled | 10 players | Inverse Snake Draft | 50 pts | Selected in Step 3 Draft |
| G3 | Strong | 10 players | Core Requirement | 40 pts | Selected in Step 2 |
| G4 | Competitive | 10 players | Inverse Snake Draft | 30 pts | Selected in Step 3 Draft |
| G5 | Developing | 10 players | Inverse Snake Draft | 20 pts | Selected in Step 3 Draft |
| G6 | Emerging | 10 players | Core Requirement | 10 pts | Selected in Step 2 |
| TOTAL PER TEAM | G1+G2+G3+G4+G5+G6 = 210 Points (Salary Cap) |
2. Master Timeline at a Glance
| Step | Milestone | Target Date | Status |
|---|
| Step 1 | Player Grading & Captaincy Appointments | March 10, 2026 | ✅ Complete |
| Step 2 | Standardized Core Recruitment Window | March 12 – 22, 2026 | ✅ Complete |
| Step 3 | Inverse Snake Draft (Live — Google Meet) | March 22, 2026 · 7 PM EST | ✅ Complete |
| Step 4 | Franchise Auction Window & Live In-Person Auction Show | March 23 – April 4, 2026 | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Step 5 | Ownership Handovers & Hostile Takeover Swaps | Upon Auction Close | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Step 6 | Official Website Updates (Owners, Logos, Rosters) | Post-Auction | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Step 7 | Trading Window (Opens April 5 — Closes April 15 Midnight EST) | April 5 – 15, 2026 | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Step 8 | Final Rosters Locked & Published | Post-Trade Deadline | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Step 9 | Official Player Rankings Submission | Removed | Removed |
3. The 9-Step Formation Process — Detailed
STEP 1
March 10, 2026
✅ COMPLETE
Player Grading & The Captaincy System
- NAPCL evaluates all 60 registered players and publishes official tier groupings (G1–G6).
- The 10 Marquee G1 (Elite) players are appointed as Team Captains — one per team.
- G1 rankings are determined using player profile data, USCA rankings, and scouting information.
- NAPCL has final authority on all tier assignments. Rankings are published alongside the G1 group announcement.
STEP 2
March 12 – 22, 2026
✅ COMPLETE
The Standardized Core Recruitment Window
- Each Captain forms their foundational 3-player Core Team through targeted recruitment.
- Core Requirement: Each Captain must recruit exactly one G3 player AND one G6 player.
- Captains must publicly post their selections in the official NAPCL WhatsApp group to lock in choices.
- Rule of First Claim: WhatsApp timestamp is the official record. Once posted, the claim is locked.
- Core formation establishes an identical 110-point salary cap baseline for all 10 teams: G1 (60) + G3 (40) + G6 (10) = 110 pts.
STEP 3
March 22, 2026 · 7 PM EST
✅ COMPLETE
The Inverse Snake Draft
- A live draft (Google Meet) fills the remaining three roster spots: G2, G4, and G5.
- Draft Order: Inverse to G1 ranking — lower-ranked captains pick first, ensuring league-wide balance.
- Three rounds: G2 (50 pts) → G4 (30 pts) → G5 (20 pts). Snake format — G4 round reverses.
- Snake Order: VP → MB → SD → UK → SC → RS → PP → RJ → PJ → AA. G4 round reverses.
- All 10 completed initial rosters are published on napclpro.org following the draft.
STEP 4
March 23 – April 4, 2026
⏳ UPCOMING
The Franchise Auction
- With all 10 balanced teams formed, the franchise ownership auction opens.
- Live In-Person Auction Show during the US Nationals event.
- Starting floor: $500 per team. Minimum bid increment: $100.
- Any eligible individual — including registered players — may bid on any team.
- Team Defense Clause: The registered captain may invoke their right of first refusal at the final bid price.
STEP 5
Upon Auction Close
⏳ UPCOMING
Ownership Handovers & Hostile Takeover Protocol
- Owner and Captain are two distinct roles. Ownership is determined by auction; Captaincy is earned in Step 1.
- Standard Handover: Non-playing owners assume franchise ownership without affecting the team roster.
- Hostile Takeover: When a registered player wins a team they do not play on — they transfer to their new team at the same tier position they currently occupy. The displaced player moves to the buyer's original team. Clean single swap.
- All teams end the auction with exactly 6 players in their original tier positions.
- Captaincy transfer requires the G1 player's mutual agreement — cannot be imposed.
STEP 6
Post-Auction
⏳ UPCOMING
Official Website Updates
- NAPCL publishes all post-auction updates on napclpro.org: franchise names, logos, confirmed owners, and initial rosters.
- This publication is the official record of team composition entering the Trading Window.
STEP 7
April 5 – 15, 2026
⏳ UPCOMING
The Trading Window
- Opens April 5, 2026. Hard Deadline: April 15, 2026 at 12:00 Midnight EST. No exceptions.
- Same-tier swaps only — G2 for G2, G3 for G3, etc. No cross-tier trades permitted.
- Maximum 2 trades per team. Once exhausted, team cannot trade further regardless of deadline.
- Agreed trades must be jointly submitted by both owners. NAPCL records — it does not approve or veto.
- 1-for-1 swap = 1 trade used. 2-for-2 swap = both trades used simultaneously.
STEP 8
Post-Trade Deadline
⏳ UPCOMING
Final Rosters Locked
- Following the close of the trading window, all rosters are permanently locked and cannot be altered.
- NAPCL publishes the finalized, permanent rosters on napclpro.org — the official record for all tournament operations.
STEP 9
April 30, 2026
REMOVED
Official Player Rankings Submission
This step has been removed. Pre-season player ranking submission is no longer required.
Player positions are determined dynamically via the Rule 9.4 Tactical Flex ballot system before each match.
4. Official Edge Case Rules & Governance Protocols
The following rules govern exceptional scenarios during the formation process. These are official NAPCL policies and are binding on all participants.
Edge Case Rule 1 — G1 Tier Rankings & Captain Appointments
⚠ G1 RANKING AUTHORITY & TRANSPARENCY PROTOCOL
1
NAPCL Has Final Authority on All G1 RankingsThe official G1 ranking — determining captaincy and draft order — is set exclusively by NAPCL using composite evaluation of player profile data, USCA official standings, and internal scouting assessments. No individual may contest the assigned ranking.
2
Rankings Are Published in AdvanceNAPCL publishes the complete G1 tier list simultaneously with full tier groupings. Rankings are public and transparent.
3
Captaincy Is Non-NegotiableEvery G1 player is automatically appointed as Captain of their respective team. Captaincy may not be declined, surrendered, or transferred without the G1 player's explicit mutual agreement.
Edge Case Rule 2 — G6 Emergency Standby Players
⚠ G6 STANDBY PROTOCOL
1
Standbys Cover Dropouts OnlyEmergency standby players exist solely to fill roster vacancies caused by a registered player's withdrawal. Standbys do not participate in the formation process and are not part of any team until activated.
2
Activation ProcessIf a player withdraws, NAPCL activates the next available standby at no cost to the affected team. NAPCL will strive to provide a same-tier replacement; if unavailable, captains may choose any player from the Standby pool.
Edge Case Rule 3 — Simultaneous Core Claim Disputes
⚠ SIMULTANEOUS CLAIM DISPUTE PROTOCOL
1
WhatsApp Timestamp Is FinalThe official NAPCL WhatsApp group message timestamp serves as the binding record for all Core Recruitment claims. In any simultaneous claim dispute, the earlier timestamp wins. NAPCL's determination is final and non-appealable.
2
Resolution ProcedureNAPCL reviews timestamps and issues a binding ruling within 24 hours. The losing Captain must recruit a different player from the remaining pool within 48 hours of the ruling.
Edge Case Rule 4 — Hostile Takeover Mechanics
⚠ HOSTILE TAKEOVER — SWAP TRANSACTION PROTOCOL
1
Owner and Captain Are Independent RolesOwnership is acquired through the franchise auction. Captaincy is a playing designation earned during Step 1 grading. The auction outcome does not automatically transfer captaincy.
2
The Hostile Takeover Triggers a Tier-Matched SwapWhen a playing owner purchases a team they do not play on, they transfer to that team at their original drafted tier position. The player in that same tier position on the acquired team transfers to the purchasing owner's vacated team. This is a single, clean swap executed immediately upon auction close.
3
Captaincy Transfer Requires Mutual AgreementThe G1 player on any team retains captaincy unless they voluntarily agree to transfer it. A captain may delegate the captain role to any playing member of the team. No external captains are permitted under any circumstance. Any agreed transfer must be communicated to NAPCL for official recording.
4
All Teams End Auction With Exactly 6 Roster Positions IntactAfter all ownership transactions and Hostile Takeover swaps, every team will have exactly 6 players in their original tier positions. NAPCL verifies and publishes the confirmed roster before proceeding to Step 6.
Edge Case Rule 5 — Trading Window Rules & Governance
⚠ TRADING WINDOW — TRADE EXECUTION PROTOCOL
1
All Trades Are Owner-Driven — NAPCL Records, Does Not ApproveTrades are strategic decisions made by team owners. NAPCL does not evaluate, approve, or veto trade decisions. If two owners mutually agree to a swap, the trade is valid. NAPCL's role is solely to record the transaction and update the official roster.
2
Same-Tier Swaps OnlyDuring the trading window, owners may only swap players of the same tier (e.g., a G2 for a G2, a G3 for a G3). Cross-tier swaps are not permitted under any circumstance.
3
Maximum 2 Trades Per TeamEach team may execute a maximum of 2 completed trade transactions during the entire trading window (April 5–15, 2026). Once exhausted, the team cannot initiate or accept further trades.
4
Joint Submission Required — Hard Deadline April 15, 2026, Midnight ESTBoth owners involved must jointly notify NAPCL by submitting trade details together. NAPCL will not accept a submission from only one party. No exceptions to the deadline under any circumstance.
5. Trade Counting Rule
📋 OFFICIAL RULE — HOW TRADES ARE COUNTED
A trade is counted per player that leaves your roster. Each player you send out counts as one trade against your 2-trade allowance.
| Swap Type | Trades Used | Result |
|---|
| 1-for-1 swap (1 player out, 1 player in) | 1 trade used | 1 trade remaining |
| 2-for-2 swap (2 players out, 2 players in) | Both trades used simultaneously | ⛔ Window immediately & permanently closed |
Same tier only: A G2 may only be swapped for another G2; a G3 for a G3; etc.
Maximum 2 players out per team for the entire window. Once exhausted, team cannot send or receive any further players.
Both owners must jointly submit the trade to NAPCL for recording. NAPCL records — it does not approve or veto.
⚠ HARD DEADLINE: April 15, 2026 at 12:00 Midnight EST. No exceptions under any circumstance.
6. Illustrated Trade Scenarios
The following scenarios demonstrate how the trading rules apply in practice. Same-tier swaps only.
TRADE 1
Like-for-Like Swap — Friendship-Driven Trade
1-for-1 · Same Tier (G4)
Team A's owner is personal friends with a G4 player on Team B and wants him on their roster. Both owners mutually agree to swap their G4 players.
TEAM A
| Tier / Player | Before | After |
|---|
| G1 Captain | 60 | 60 |
| G2 Player | 50 | 50 |
| G3 Player | 40 | 40 |
| G4 Player (out) → | 30 | G4 from B (30) |
| G5 Player | 20 | 20 |
| G6 Player | 10 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 210 | 210 — No change |
↔
TEAM B
| Tier / Player | Before | After |
|---|
| G1 Captain | 60 | 60 |
| G2 Player | 50 | 50 |
| G3 Player | 40 | 40 |
| G4 Player (out) → | 30 | G4 from A (30) |
| G5 Player | 20 | 20 |
| G6 Player | 10 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 210 | 210 — No change |
Team A: 210 pts · Trade 1 of 2 used · 1 remaining
✅
Team B: 210 pts · Trade 1 of 2 used · 1 remaining
💡 Insight: Same-tier swaps are the cleanest possible trade — both teams retain 210 points. Ownership chemistry is a legitimate strategic reason to trade.
TRADE 2
Geographic Practicality Swap
1-for-1 · Same Tier (G6)
Team E's G6 player lives in a different city, making practice impossible. Team F has a geographically closer G6 player. Both owners mutually agree to swap.
TEAM E
| Tier / Player | Before | After |
|---|
| G1 Captain | 60 | 60 |
| G2 Player | 50 | 50 |
| G3 Player | 40 | 40 |
| G4 Player | 30 | 30 |
| G5 Player | 20 | 20 |
| G6 Player (distant, out) → | 10 | G6 from F (local, 10) |
| TOTAL | 210 | 210 — No change |
↔
TEAM F
| Tier / Player | Before | After |
|---|
| G1 Captain | 60 | 60 |
| G2 Player | 50 | 50 |
| G3 Player | 40 | 40 |
| G4 Player | 30 | 30 |
| G5 Player | 20 | 20 |
| G6 Player (local, out) → | 10 | G6 from E (10) |
| TOTAL | 210 | 210 — No change |
Team E: 210 pts · Trade 1 of 2 used · 1 remaining
✅
Team F: 210 pts · Trade 1 of 2 used · 1 remaining
💡 Insight: Logistics and practice compatibility are valid strategic reasons to trade. A team that cannot practice together is at a real competitive disadvantage.
TRADE 3
Second & Final Trade — Window Closes
1-for-1 · Trade Limit Reached (G5)
Team G previously completed Trade 1 (a G3-for-G3 swap). With the deadline approaching, the owner strikes a G5 swap deal with Team H — exhausting their final trade slot.
TEAM G (Trade 2 of 2)
| Tier / Player | Before | After |
|---|
| G1 Captain | 60 | 60 |
| G2 Player | 50 | 50 |
| G3 (from Trade 1) | 40 | 40 |
| G4 Player | 30 | 30 |
| G5 Player (out) → | 20 | G5 from H (20) |
| G6 Player | 10 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 210 | 210 — No change |
↔
TEAM H
| Tier / Player | Before | After |
|---|
| G1 Captain | 60 | 60 |
| G2 Player | 50 | 50 |
| G3 Player | 40 | 40 |
| G4 Player | 30 | 30 |
| G5 Player (out) → | 20 | G5 from G (20) |
| G6 Player | 10 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 210 | 210 — No change |
Team G: Trade 2 of 2 used · ⛔ WINDOW CLOSED
✅
Team H: 210 pts · Trade 1 of 2 used · 1 remaining
💡 Insight: Team G has exhausted both trades. They cannot initiate or accept any further trades for the remainder of the window, regardless of the deadline date.
TRADE 4
Invalid Trade Attempt — Rule Violations
INVALID ❌
Team G (from Trade 3, with 2 trades already used) approaches Team I after the deadline to swap their G2 player.
❌ THIS TRADE REQUEST IS INVALID FOR TWO INDEPENDENT REASONS
1. Trade Limit Exceeded: Team G already used both allowed trades. A team that has sent out 2 players is permanently ineligible to send or receive any further players — no exceptions.
2. Deadline Passed: Even if the trade limit were not an issue, no trade submissions are accepted after April 15, 2026 at 12:00 Midnight EST under any circumstances.
NAPCL will not record or process this request. All rosters remain permanently as set at the trade deadline.
Not processed
❌
Not processed
TRADE 5
2-for-2 Blockbuster — Chemistry-Driven All-In Trade
2-for-2 · Both Trades Used
Team X and Team Y agree on a blockbuster trade. Both owners swap their G2 and G5 players simultaneously, prioritizing chemistry and familiarity over raw tier assignments.
TEAM X
| Tier / Player | Before | After |
|---|
| G1 Captain | 60 | 60 |
| G2 Player (out) → | 50 | G2 from Y (50) |
| G3 Player | 40 | 40 |
| G4 Player | 30 | 30 |
| G5 Player (out) → | 20 | G5 from Y (20) |
| G6 Player | 10 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 210 | 210 — No change |
↔
TEAM Y
| Tier / Player | Before | After |
|---|
| G1 Captain | 60 | 60 |
| G2 Player (out) → | 50 | G2 from X (50) |
| G3 Player | 40 | 40 |
| G4 Player | 30 | 30 |
| G5 Player (out) → | 20 | G5 from X (20) |
| G6 Player | 10 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 210 | 210 — No change |
Team X: Trades 1 & 2 used · ⛔ WINDOW CLOSED
✅
Team Y: Trades 1 & 2 used · ⛔ WINDOW CLOSED
💡 Insight: A 2-for-2 blockbuster is a high-commitment, all-in move. Both owners exhaust their entire trade allowance in a single agreement. Same-tier rule ensures no cap impact. Choose wisely — there is no going back.
7. Trade Scenarios Summary
| # | Type | Team A Trades | Team B Trades | Cap Impact | Valid? |
|---|
| 1 | G4-for-G4 (Friendship) | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | Both stay 210 | ✅ Valid |
| 2 | G6-for-G6 (Geography) | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | Both stay 210 | ✅ Valid |
| 3 | G5-for-G5 (2nd trade) | 2 of 2 ⛔ | 1 of 2 | Both stay 210 | ✅ Valid |
| 4 | Trade limit + deadline breach | EXCEEDED | N/A | No change | ❌ Invalid |
| 5 | 2-for-2 Blockbuster | 2 of 2 ⛔ | 2 of 2 ⛔ | Both stay 210 | ✅ Valid |