> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/sports/gridiron/learning-the-game/competitions/learning-about-our-competitions.md).

# Learning About Our Competitions

GameDay Squad Gridiron is not a single competition where everyone plays the same game. It is a ladder of competitions, each with its own salary cap, its own card restrictions and its own prize pool. Where you play is your choice, and it is one of the most important strategic decisions you make all season.

### 2026/27's Competitions

There are seven competitions running this season: five standard competitions and two special competitions.

| Type     | Competition        | Salary Cap    | Special Card Limit | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum | Diamond |    Legend   |   All Star  |  Prize Card |
| -------- | ------------------ | ------------- | ------------------ | :----: | :----: | :--: | :------: | :-----: | :---------: | :---------: | :---------: |
| Standard | Starter            | 9mil          | 0                  |   Yes  |   No   |  No  |    No    |    No   |      No     |      No     |      No     |
| Standard | Contender          | 10mil         | 0                  |   Yes  |   Yes  |  Yes |    No    |    No   |      No     |      No     |      No     |
| Standard | Classic            | 12mil         | 2                  |   Yes  |   Yes  |  Yes |    Yes   |    No   |      No     | Yes (max 2) | Yes (max 1) |
| Standard | Challenger         | 14.5mil       | 5                  |   No   |   No   |  Yes |    Yes   |   Yes   |      No     | Yes (max 5) | Yes (max 1) |
| Standard | Champion           | No Salary Cap | No Limit           |   No   |   No   |  No  |    Yes   |   Yes   | Yes (max 6) |     Yes     |     Yes     |
| Special  | Rookie & Sophomore | 13mil         | No Limit           |   Yes  |   Yes  |  Yes |    Yes   |   Yes   | Yes (max 3) |     Yes     |      No     |
| Special  | Primetime          | No Salary Cap | No Limit           |   Yes  |   Yes  |  Yes |    Yes   |   Yes   | Yes (max 9) |     Yes     |     Yes     |

*Note: Where a cell reads **Yes (max 3)**, that rarity is allowed but capped at that number of cards in your squad.*

### Eligibility

Coaches may enter a maximum of five competitions per round: up to three of the five standard competitions, plus both special competitions.

The Starter and Contender competitions exist to give newer coaches a fair run, so Starter is closed to anyone competing in Challenger or Champion, and Contender is closed to anyone competing in Champion. Classic is open to everyone with no restrictions at all. Both special competitions are open to every coach.

### About Our Competitions

#### The Salary Cap

Every player card carries a salary cost determined purely by its rarity, never by how well that player is performing. Your squad's combined salary must sit under the cap of the competition you are entering.

#### Card Restrictions

Each competition allows a specific set of card rarities. These bands are exclusive, not cumulative. Challenger locks out Bronze and Silver entirely, and Champion locks out everything below Platinum. Legend cards are only playable in Champion, Rookie & Sophomore and Primetime, and each of those three caps how many you can field.

#### Special Card limits

Special Cards covers All Star Cards and Prize Cards. Where a competition sets a Special Card Limit, that is the total number of special cards allowed in your squad, and the Prize Card sub limit caps how many of those may be Prize Cards.

#### Special Rules

Both special competitions carry their own additional rule on top of the salary cap and card restrictions. Those are set out on the Special Competition page.