you should hold off until the new season starts (and if youre in a good position, hold off on spending skill points too until you renew them). if their contracts expired, you have 7 days to renew them upon new (expired) season. by doing this, you should get an easier cup draw and theyll demand lower wages. win-win

not sure if it affects morale though, people say morale drops daily, i just give them candy when theyre just good