NFL Players, Owners Near Deal to End Lockout: Sources

NFL players and owners have reportedly agreed on all major points in a new collective bargaining agreement, putting an end to the four-month-old lockout.

A union executive committee vote and press conference are expected on Monday. Insiders anticipate the deal will be in place by Wednesday to ensure the start of training camps and an interrupted full schedule of preseason and regular-season games.

Owners unanimously approved the deal last Thursday, but players have not yet signed off. However, sources say it’s a formality at this point.

“NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith knows his executive committee, his players reps and the rest of his constituents well enough to know how they will vote,” ESPN reports. “Plus, no collective bargaining agreement has ever been turned down by the players when approved by leadership.”

[ESPN]