The future of Longhorn Network is here, and it's a free streaming service
The University of Texas announced Monday that Longhorn Network will be turned into a reimagined “on-demand streaming service on July 1, advancing UT’s storytelling for the next generation of Longhorns fans and sports enthusiasts” per a university release. The free service will provide fans 24/7 access to original content, live shows, and legacy University of Texas highlights and programs.
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The venture will be powered by Endeavor Streaming, per release, in a partnership with Learfield Studios. Fans will have worldwide access to original content and live programming, plus some of the most significant games from the past decade from all 21 of UT’s athletic programs.
The free LHN app will be available on mobile phones, tablets, computers, and connected TV streaming devices starting July 1, per release.
“The University of Texas has a distinction that is rare in higher education of excelling at a very high level academically and athletically. We are home to more than 40 top-10 academic programs. Our research results in societal changing discoveries. And our student athletes compete for championships year in and year out,” said President Jay Hartzell. “Our partnership with Learfield and Endeavor Streaming has produced an expanded streaming network that is tailormade for showcasing all of our great work and achievements and creating new opportunities for Moody College of Communication to create and publish new and compelling content.”
Added athletics director Chris Del Conte, “as we set out on our new adventure in the Southeastern Conference, we wanted to make sure we had a fitting home for video content that tells the story of our athletics department. Our team here, along with the help of Endeavor Streaming and Learfield, have been hard at work to bring this platform to life for Longhorn Nation.”
The Longhorns are venturing to the SEC on the same day the app launches. ESPN holds the rights to all live competition emanating from SEC home venues in addition to any conference matchups. LHN will be the home of original content produced by Learfield Studios and Texas Studios. There will be highlights, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, interviews with athletes and coaches, and more.
The app will carry game week and postgame press conferences, live football statcasts with play-by-play radio audio, and coaches shows.
“Over the last several years, our Learfield Studios team has reimagined branded content production and distribution in college athletics, and it’s a privilege to now deliver the same agile and creative capabilities to the University of Texas, its student-athletes, and the highly passionate Longhorns fans,” said Cole Gahagan, president and chief executive officer at Learfield. “This unique approach will combine a free, ad-supported model with behind-the-scenes content and live programming, maximizing distribution to Longhorns fans across the globe – all powered by Texas’ rich sports history. We truly believe this will set the standard in college sports content programming and production, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Chris, President Hartzell, and the Endeavor Streaming team.”
The aforementioned Texas Studios powered by Dell Technologies is located inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial stadium and will produce much of the original content on the channel. Learfield will provide additional resources for more in-depth programs.
Endeavour Streaming’s Vesper Platform will powered the service.
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For more information on LHN and how to download the app, fans can visit TexasSports.com/LHN.
