USA Football named governing body ahead of flag football's Olympic debut

What they're saying: "It's never been done before. This really is the first major step in the journey to the Olympics," USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck tells Axios.

State of play: The National Football League and USA Football have been longtime partners, and Hallenbeck says they will work together to decide if pro players will be on the U.S. National Team.

• The NFL transitioned the Pro Bowl, its annual all-star game, to a flag football format in 2022.
• NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters at this past Super Bowl that the league is considering professionalizing flag football.

USA Football's efforts to grow the sport on the women's side have been fruitful.

• Flag football is recognized as a high school girls' varsity sport in 14 states.
• In February, an NCAA Committee recommended that Divisions I, II and III sponsor legislation to add flag football to its "Emerging Sports for Women" program.