So it looks like we lost an owner just before FA selection, maybe a week ago. I'm a new Commish. Whats the best course of action to take in this case?

Will WIS allow a replacement owner to work out the season without cost?

Once the owner has been AWOL for 14 days you may replace him. Just should admin a message once the 14 days have passed and you have a replacement lined up letting them know that "so and so will be taking xxx franchise." They will handle the switch and yes it won't cost the new owner anything for this season.

If the 14 days haven't passed yet, I would recommend starting a search for a replacement now. That will give you time to be picky about who takes over the team. I would look for an owner who has a history of staying long-term in their worlds. It gives you a better chance of the owner staying for future seasons.

On this note, it would be nice if they would cut the grace period down to 7 days. A lot of damage can be done to a franchise with a 14 day absence.

If the AWOL owner is a first timer you might be able to replace him right away.

Try right now. All the better if it works.

Alrighty then. Good advice, I'll give it a shot early.