NFL, NFLPA and team facilities will close on November 3 in order to allow players and staff to vote in the United States presidential election, the league has confirmed.

After an offseason in which the NFL has seen other sports demonstrate for social justice and equality, elite American football is preparing to return next week.

The league released a statement on Thursday saying it had met with the NFLPA this week and "both parties repeated their commitment to continue working tirelessly to affect positive change".

The NBA's Milwaukee Bucks went on strike last week and the subsequent postponement of games prompted a discussion and agreement that placed a particular emphasis upon enabling voter participation in November's election.

The NFL has followed suit, its statement adding: "We also agree that our focus must continue to be on action."

The closure of facilities in November will "ensure that every member of the NFL family has an opportunity to exercise the precious right to vote", the league said.

It will also sponsor "non-partisan educational programmes" to ensure players and staff know how to vote, while working with state officials to establish polling stations at stadiums.

After the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin, among other incidents, the NFL also addressed protests against police brutality.

"Clubs and ownership will facilitate meetings between state and local elected officials and leaders of law enforcement to discuss steps that can be taken to reduce conflict and improve relations between law enforcement and the community," it said.

"The NFL and NFLPA will work together to support college education for the children of the victims who will be recognized by our players."

The league added: "We are proud of our current and former players for the extraordinary work that they do in our communities.

"Club owners and employees are proud to support and work alongside the players to make our country better, fairer and more equal."