Popularity after newest patch
 

I believe I've read that popularity of players can help with ticket sales. I don't remember if this was fact or not. Since the latest patch, I've noticed many scrubs in drafts that are fan favorites or idolized. I picked up a couple rookies to fill in for injuries, not even realizing the extremely high popularity.

Is popularity completely random now with no meaning, and does it have an effect on your team/tickets?

db

My understanding is that it was randomized to cover up a tell that allowed you to identify who would creep.

I have no idea what happens to Fan Pop after the player is on your roster (read: Does Fan Pop "develop"?)

I always thought Fan Pop developed as the players won awards, etc.

I wonder if it develops as a player creeps? Might be another tell in there somewhere yet.

I thought the only thing changed re: Popularity in the patch was the ability to see it pre-draft?

Popularity was randomized for rookies in the new patch. It does "develop" over time, moving up with player of the game wins (about +3 each time) and other awards, and moving downward if a guy rides the bench over multiple seasons.

I have no clue if it affects ticket sales. I had a few popular sp teams that won many games and couldn't fill their stadium, but I never saw anything conclusive either way.