Longhorn Network Cable Channel Shuts Down to Become a Free, Streaming Platform Without Live Games

The Texas Longhorns are saddling up and moving to a new conference this year. The former Big 12 school is moving to the SEC’s greener pastures this fall and with the move to July, the school’s Longhorn Network cable channel is going through a transition of its own. The Longhorn Network launched in 2011 and carried live Longhorns games not aired on channels like ESPN or Fox. However, as the cable version for the LHN shut down at the end of June, a new free streaming platform that houses a wide range of on-demand Texas Longhorns content is taking its place.

Key Details:

• Longhorn Network’s new streaming platform will offer coaches shows, historical content, and original programming.
• Live Texas Longhorns games will shift to the SEC Network starting this fall.
• Fans can still listen to game audio and watch a live statcast on the new Longhorns Network.

The new Longhorn Network streaming service will be available at no cost to fans, a dramatic shift from the pay-TV model in which it was formerly integrated. The changeover has been prompted by Texas’s move to the SEC; henceforward, live Longhorns games will be moved to the SEC Network cable channel.

That could have left the opportunity for the school to simply shut down Longhorn Network, as the two remaining members of the Pac-12 have chosen to do with Pac-12 Networks. Instead, the channel will turn into a streamer where fans can stream original titles, coaches’ shows, historical game content, and more.

“About 40% of people get their content through streaming,” Texas AD Chris Del Conte told SBJ. “Having that available and having shoulder programming around all of our games, the ability to show coaches shows, replays, everything that’s within the new, exciting move to the SEC, putting that on a streaming platform was just something we really felt passionate about.”

Many schools and major league sports teams have gone with a streaming model that charges a monthly subscription fee and sees live games become available on the platform. Texas is going a different route, though live audio and statcasts from games will still be available on the new Longhorn Network, however, there will be no live game broadcasts on the platform for any sports.

“We took a hard look at the landscape of what was out there existing today in college athletics, and then took a look at the overall landscape of where consumers go to get content,” said Drew Martin, Texas Exec Senior Associate AD for External Affairs. “But it all kind of began with this idea of ‘OK, we’re moving to the SEC. What happens with Longhorn Network?’”

It’s a good bet that content from Longhorn Network will be found in the new Venu Sports joint venture platform. Longhorn Network is partially owned by ESPN, which is joining the Venu Sports service and is bringing other partner channels like SEC Network and ACC Network with it, alongside content from ESPN+. It would seem a somewhat glaring omission to leave Longhorn Network off the platform, especially with the team’s shift to the SEC.

The new Longhorn Network launches today, Monday, July 1, the same day that the school officially switches conference allegiances. Fans won’t find live games on the service any longer, but they will still find a huge amount of Texas Longhorns content, and best of all the platform will be available to access free.