Ted Lasso Spotlights $140 Million Gap in Women's Soccer Investment
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 20
Ted Lasso Spotlights $140 Million Gap in Women's Soccer Investment
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 20
Summary
The latest “Ted Lasso” episode lands because its plot points—late kits, weak facilities, sponsor struggles and boardroom skepticism—mirror conditions many women’s clubs still face.
Arianna Criscione said even top-flight teams in Italy often lack dedicated facilities, and some women still use locker rooms designed for men; England’s second tier only became fully professional in 2025-26.
That underinvestment persists even as the top end booms: Kansas City Current built a $140 million stadium after opening an $18 million training center, while Arsenal now plays all WSL home games at Emirates Stadium.
The business case is shifting toward growth over immediate profit—Deloitte said the top 15 women’s clubs generated €158 million in 2024-25, with 72% from commercial revenue.
Losses still run deep: WSL clubs made £65 million in revenue but lost £28 million pre-tax, underscoring the article’s point that women’s soccer needs upfront spending before value becomes obvious.