A New Playbook for Women’s Soccer
When the fourth season of Ted Lasso arrives on Apple TV on August 5, 2024, viewers will notice a distinct change in the show’s rhythm. The beloved soccer comedy, known for its uplifting take on the men’s game, now turns its lens to AFC Richmond’s women’s squad, marking the first time the series devotes an entire storyline to a female team.
The opening episode unfolds at CPKC Stadium, a venue that stands as the first purpose‑built NWSL stadium and will host the league’s championship match. Its sleek design and community‑focused ethos signal a new era for women’s professional soccer in the United States.
Behind the scenes, the stadium’s significance is amplified by the involvement of Kansas City natives Angie and Chris Long. The couple, who acquired the Utah Royals in 2020 and relocated the franchise to Kansas City, have poured resources into the Current, a team that reached the playoffs twice and captured the NWSL Shield in 2023, generating an estimated $38 million in annual revenue.
Series co‑creator Jason Sudeikis, a Kansas City native himself, says his personal connection to the city and to women’s sports made the project a natural fit. “I grew up watching the city’s passion for sport, and when the women’s team entered the narrative, it felt like an opportunity to shine a light on something that’s finally getting the attention it deserves,” he explained.
The Longs’ journey to the screen was not without hurdles. Long rehearsals, setbacks such as a cut scene, and the logistical challenges of filming at a real stadium tested their resolve. Yet the emotional reaction of Keeley Jones — mirroring the couple’s own excitement — validated their investment and underscored the stadium’s symbolic weight.
Beyond entertainment, the show’s creators hope to leverage their platform during a period of rapid growth for the sport. With the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics on the horizon, they see an opening to inspire fans worldwide to embrace women’s soccer, a sector that has seen its commercial footprint expand dramatically across the NWSL and the Women’s Super League.