Officially returning for a fourth season, Ted Lasso follows months of conjecture and a mixed season 3 finale. The revelation came right from the source: Jason Sudeikis, who co-created the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series in addition to portraying the charming American coach. Speaking on the New Heights podcast produced by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce, Sudeikis confirmed what fans have long hoped: “We’re writing season 4 right now.”

But this next phase of Ted Lasso is more than simply another trip with the Richmond Greyhounds. In a surprising turn of events, Sudeikis announced that the narrative would veer boldly in a different path. “Ted’s coaching a women’s team,” he said. This marks a significant tonal and structural change for the program, even if this fits with tiny breadcrumbs from the season 3 finale — particularly Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) suggesting Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) an AFC Richmond women’s squad.

A Fresh Field to Play On

If the fourth season pivots to women’s football, the storytelling possibilities multiply. Ted Lasso has always balanced humor and heart while tackling themes like leadership, mental health, and second chances. Moving into the realm of women’s sports could bring new dynamics into focus — gender equity, media pressure, and a new generation of athletes — while preserving the show’s optimistic spirit.

It’s a timely move. Global interest in women’s soccer has never been higher, and incorporating that into Ted Lasso‘s world might provide fresh momentum for a show that many felt had already told its story. As Sudeikis put it, “There’s more there… It’s a neat group of people to work with. A wonderful group of people and characters to write around and for.”

The potential to introduce a new team — whether as a spin-off setup or an integrated storyline — gives writers the chance to reinvent the show without abandoning its essence.

Why Roy Kent Still Matters

But as much as fans are intrigued by the idea of a women’s team, there’s one glaring question: who’s sticking around from the original squad?

One name that must remain is Roy Kent. As Comic Book Resources argues in a recent article, Ted Lasso Season 4 won’t work without him. Brett Goldstein’s portrayal of the gruff, no-nonsense coach with a heart of gold has become foundational to the series. Over three seasons, Roy transformed from a fading star to a beloved mentor and now the newly appointed manager of AFC Richmond.

His journey reflects the show’s core values — personal growth, vulnerability, and redemption. And now that Ted has (seemingly) exited stage left to return home, Roy’s continued presence is vital to grounding the narrative emotionally and thematically.

Should Season 4 divide its focus between Ted’s new women’s team and the original Richmond crew under Roy’s leadership, it could provide the perfect bridge between old and new — and offer fans the best of both worlds.

Who Else Is Coming Back?

With so many strong personalities in the ensemble cast, the possibilities for who returns are wide open. Keeley, Rebecca, Coach Beard, and 

Jamie Tartt — they each have storylines that could evolve in interesting ways. The season 3 finale gave everyone a bit of closure, but nothing so final that they couldn’t come back for more.

Rebecca in particular may play a pivotal role if the women’s team storyline continues. As a female club owner in a male-dominated league, her involvement in establishing a women’s squad could bring sharp commentary — and genuine inspiration — to the series.

Still, there’s a lingering question: is Ted coaching a new women’s team in England, or is he back in the U.S.? That decision could shift the tone and setting of the show entirely.

Reinvention or Soft Reboot?

Given how neatly Season 3 wrapped things up, some fans are already wondering: is this truly Ted Lasso Season 4, or are we witnessing the birth of a spin-off in disguise?

That depends on how far the writers want to stretch the show’s original premise. With Sudeikis still in the lead, it’s technically the same series. But a new team, new league, and new themes could make this feel like a reboot with familiar faces — not a continuation.

This could actually work in the show’s favor. Rather than rehashing old arcs or dragging out a finished story, a fresh setting allows Ted Lasso to keep evolving while preserving its unique tone.

Final Whistle

Ted Lasso Season 4 may be stepping onto a different pitch, but the heart of the game remains the same. With the introduction of a women’s team, the potential for deeper stories, and the necessity of keeping key players like Roy Kent in the fold, the show has a real shot at surprising fans all over again.

There’s always risk in coming back after what seemed like a finale. But if there’s one thing Ted Lasso has always believed in, it’s that a little faith — and a lot of teamwork — can lead to something extraordinary.

Believe it.