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Ted Lasso Adds Basketball Legend Dawn Staley to His Book Club
Coach Dawn Staley’s Book Makes Ted Lasso’s Reading List
The Big News
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley just got a very cool shoutout. Apple Books released a list of books that Ted Lasso—the famous TV coach played by Jason Sudeikis—would recommend. Right there on that list? Staley’s memoir, Uncommon Favor.
Important Point: This isn’t just any book list. It connects two huge names in sports and pop culture: a real-life championship coach and a beloved fictional coach known for kindness and resilience.
What Is Uncommon Favor?
Dawn Staley’s book came out on May 20, 2025. The full title tells you exactly what it’s about:
Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother and Life Lessons I Learned from All Three
In simple terms: Staley shares her journey from the streets of North Philadelphia to becoming a Hall of Fame player and a coach with three NCAA national championships. She writes about her mom, tough moments, and the lessons that shaped her.
Who Is Ted Lasso (and Why Does His Book List Matter)?
If you haven’t seen the show, here’s the quick version:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Who plays him? | Jason Sudeikis |
| What’s the show? | Ted Lasso (Apple TV+) |
| Original premise | American football coach gets hired to coach soccer in England |
| Season 4 twist | Premiered August 5, 2026 — now focuses on women’s soccer |
| Famous philosophy | "Be a goldfish" — have a short memory for mistakes, move on fast |
The "goldfish mentality" is exactly why the show’s social media team loved Staley’s book. They posted:
*"Legendary NCAA coach, former WNBA player and all-around bada* Dawn Staley teaches us how to face life’s setbacks and hiccups with a game face so strong it’ll knock you right off the court."
The Real-Life Connection: Jason Sudeikis & Dawn Staley
This isn’t just a TV crossover—Sudeikis is a genuine women’s basketball fan. Check out the timeline:
Sudeikis Shows Up for Women’s Hoops
- April 2024 — Attended the NCAA championship game in Cleveland where Staley’s Gamecocks won their third national title. (Fun fact: he wore Iowa colors that night!)
- July 16, 2026 — Spotted at Fanatics Fest in NYC wearing a South Carolina women’s basketball hoodie (made by Playa Society).
- July 2026 — Both Staley and Sudeikis were at the WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago.
Staley’s Public Invitation
After seeing the book list, Staley posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"@jasonsudeikis Mr. Lasso himself thank you for reading Uncommon Favor!! Can’t wait to see you on at a @GamecockWBB game!"
Translation: Coach Staley wants Coach Lasso at a Gamecocks game this season.
Why This Matters
Important Point: When pop culture and real sports collide like this, it brings more attention to women’s basketball. A fictional coach recommending a real coach’s book? That’s a win for visibility, representation, and great storytelling.
Summary
- Dawn Staley’s memoir Uncommon Favor made Apple Books’ "Ted Lasso’s Favorite Books" list (released Aug 7, 2026).
- Ted Lasso = Jason Sudeikis, star of the hit Apple TV+ show (Season 4 premiered Aug 5, 2026).
- The show’s "goldfish mentality" (short memory for mistakes) aligns perfectly with Staley’s message of resilience.
- Sudeikis is a real women’s basketball fan — attended games, wears merch, showed up at the WNBA All-Star Game.
- Staley publicly invited him to a South Carolina Gamecocks game this season.
FAQ
What is Uncommon Favor about?
It’s Dawn Staley’s memoir covering her life growing up in North Philly, her relationship with her mother, her basketball career (player and coach), and the lessons she learned through all of it.
Who is Ted Lasso?
A fictional American football coach turned English soccer coach, played by Jason Sudeikis. The show is famous for optimism, kindness, and the "be a goldfish" philosophy (forget mistakes fast).
Why did Apple Books make this list?
It’s a fun promotional tie-in for Ted Lasso Season 4 (which switched to women’s soccer) and highlights books that match the show’s themes of growth, resilience, and leadership.
Has Jason Sudeikis met Dawn Staley?
They were both at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago, but it’s unclear if they met there. Staley’s tweet suggests she’d love to see him at a Gamecocks game soon.
Where can I buy Uncommon Favor?
Anywhere books are sold — Amazon, Barnes & Noble, local bookstores, or digitally via Apple Books (where the list was published).
Article based on reporting by Lulu Kesin, The Greenville News / USA TODAY Network (August 8, 2026).
