How to handle returning/paused teams in an ESPN keeper league without losing historical records?

Hey everyone,

I’m the commissioner of an ESPN Fantasy Football league and I’m trying to figure out the cleanest way to handle our league setup for this season while preserving everyone’s historical records.

Here’s the situation:

Last season we had 12 teams.

Team A took last season off, but is returning this year.

This year, Teams B and C are taking the season off.

We’re also adding 3 completely new managers.

So this season we’ll have 14 teams total.

What I want to achieve:

Team A: They’re returning after a one-year break, and I’d like them to get their old ESPN team/history/record back rather than appearing as a completely new team.

Teams B & C: They’re sitting out this season, but I don’t want them to lose their historical records. Ideally, if they return next year, they should be able to continue with their existing league history.

The 3 new managers: They should obviously start as new teams with no previous history.

Has anyone handled something similar in an ESPN league?

What is the best way to set this up? Should I reactivate/replace teams, transfer ownership, or is there another commissioner option that preserves each manager’s historical record?

The main goal is that taking one season off shouldn’t erase or mess up a manager’s long-term league history, especially since we care about all-time records and stats.

Any advice from commissioners who have done this in ESPN would be appreciated!