I have a minor suggestion: Charity games ...
Similar to scrimmages, the charity games could be held every Thursday. However, the rule is different from scrimmages.
Scrimmages: You could select the opponent, home or away, set the tactics and choose the players.
Charity games: You cannot select the opponent, cannot set the tactics and at neutral arena. However, you could select the players. The games will mix the players from both teams, only one or two players from each team could play at fixed position (for training purpose).
Such charity games could affect the game shape as minutes are easily out of control, but could boost the merchadising income.