• NFL teams have voted to allow player participation in flag football for the LA28 Olympics.
• Teams will be limited to one player on Olympic rosters, approved during a league meeting in Minnesota.
• The initiative is seen as a major step for expanding the global reach of American football.
• Flag football, recognized by the IOC in 2023, will have a 5-on-5 format at the Olympics.
• Negotiations will continue to address safety measures and scheduling logistics.

The National Football League (NFL) owners have unanimously approved the participation of players in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This landmark decision was reached during the league's spring meetings held in Minnesota, where team owners voted in favor of allowing their players to compete, reflecting a growing excitement around the sport's global recognition. The league will now work with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and other governing bodies to finalize safety provisions and scheduling logistics, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

This decision paves the way for U.S. sport's most recognizable stars, including two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes, to potentially compete in flag football, further boosting the sport's profile as the NFL embodies a focus on global expansion. "It's an incredible honour for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics... the inclusion of flag football has sparked a tremendous amount of excitement among NFL players," stated NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, emphasizing the global reach of American football, as reported by CBS News and Los Angeles Times.

The tournament will feature 6 men's and 6 women's teams competing in a five-on-five format on a 50-yard field, with each country limited to just one player from the NFL. The approval comes as part of NFL efforts to internationalize the sport, leveraging the Olympics to engage a broader audience and attract more female participants into a traditionally male-dominated arena, as detailed in Africa News.

The discussions regarding Olympic participation will include logistics concerning player workloads to minimize conflicts with their NFL commitments, with training schedules expected to align around the NFL offseason, as mentioned in multiple coverage including Reuters and Africa News. NFL teams anticipate high interest from athletes eager to seize this unique opportunity, which could enhance the profile of flag football on both national and global platforms.