In the first step to the lifting of the NFL lockout, now in it’s 4th month, NFL owners approved the proposed CBA on Thursday evening. Their vote was 45 minutes in advance of a scheduled NFLPA conference call, where it is hoped that players will also ratify the deal. The final vote among the owners was 31-0, with ownership of the Oakland Raiders abstaining.

The owners vote is contingent upon the re-certification of the NFL Player’s Association. Earlier in the day,  NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said that this process is important and cannot be rushed, casting doubt on when union re-certification would occur.

In other breaking NFL news, at a press conference held following the vote, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the Hall of Fame game, scheduled for August 7 between the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Rams, is cancelled as there is not enough time for the teams to prepare. The HOF ceremony will proceed as scheduled.

For more details on this news and its implications around the league, please go here.