For its first three seasons, the show followed Richmond’s men. A women’s side gives the writers a different sporting world to explore while keeping the leadership challenges that define Ted’s character. The report says Sudeikis’s interest in women’s sport helped shape the decision, describing him as a WNBA fan who has attended games and shown support for women athletes.
That support has also appeared in football: the report notes that Sudeikis wore a United States women’s national team shirt bearing Megan Rapinoe’s name at a men’s World Cup match. The new storyline would bring that interest from the stands into the show’s central plot.
The Kansas City Current has also been involved in promoting the new season, the report says. A press event was held at the club’s stadium, and Sudeikis has attended Current matches over the years. That connection gives the fictional team a tie to a real women’s football club, rather than leaving the season’s theme as a studio talking point.
The change may also require a reset behind the scenes. Sudeikis reportedly found it difficult to tell actors associated with Richmond’s men that they would not return for the fourth season, while new performers are expected to take on the women’s squad.
The season is expected to arrive in 2026, according to the report. The key test will be whether Richmond’s new team feels like a fully realised football side-and whether Ted’s familiar coaching style can adapt to a different dressing room.