The fourth season of the television series Ted Lasso brings a real-world soccer powerhouse to the screen. The plot revolves around the Kansas City Current, the National Women's Soccer League club, serving as a primary inspiration for the fictional AFC Richmond women’s team. Producers filmed key scenes at the Current’s home venue, CPKC Stadium, highlighting the actual atmosphere of the facility that has hosted sold-out crowds since opening in 2024.
In the series premiere, AFC Richmond staff travel to Kansas City to convince Ted Lasso to lead their new women’s side. The narrative addresses the financial challenges often faced by women's professional clubs, mirroring the historical struggles of the NWSL. Owners Angie and Chris Long emphasize that the feature serves as a significant endorsement for the growth of women's athletics and validates the investment they placed into their purpose-built stadium.
Real-world elements appear throughout the production. The show incorporates game footage featuring NWSL talent, including star forward Temwa Chawinga. Cast members filmed on location for three weeks to ensure the portrayal of the club and the surrounding community remained authentic. The storyline follows the characters as they navigate the complexities of launching and maintaining a professional women's team, a narrative arc that echoes the development of the NWSL itself.
Kansas City has emerged as a major hub for the sport. Beyond the success of the Current, the city has hosted various international matches, including games during the recent World Cup. The integration of the team into a globally recognized program like Ted Lasso provides a platform to reach audiences unfamiliar with the league. This exposure aligns with the league's broader strategy to scale its brand during a period of rapid expansion and increased valuation across the organization.