Free LHN (Longhorn Network) streaming service will provide fans 24/7 access to original content, live shows, and legacy University of Texas highlights and programs
The University of Texas (UT) is set to launch its reimagined LHN (Longhorn Network) as a live and on-demand streaming service on July 1, advancing UT’s storytelling for the next generation of Longhorns fans and sports enthusiasts.
Powered by Endeavor Streaming, in partnership with Learfield Studios, the leader in college athletics original content, the streaming service is bringing Texas fans worldwide access to original content and live programming, as well as some of the most significant games from the past decade, spanning all 21 of Texas Athletics’ programs. The free LHN app will be available on mobile phones, tablets, computers, and connected TV streaming devices starting July 1.
“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.”
“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,” said Chris Del Conte, UT Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director.
While all live competitions will still be shown across the SEC rightsholder’s networks, LHN will be the exclusive outlet for Texas Athletics’ original content. Produced by Learfield Studios and Texas Studios, the network will feature highlights, exclusive behind-the-scenes access to sports programs, interviews with student-athletes and coaches, a 24/7 channel and replays of the greatest games in ESPN’s Longhorn Network archive. Learfield Studios and Texas Athletics are currently in development of content franchises with new series and episodes debuting this fall. On LHN, fans will also be able to watch game week and postgame press conferences, as well as live football game statcasts with play-by-play radio audio. Additionally, coaches’ shows, such as Longhorn Weekly, will be available on the platform.
“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.”
Original content will be produced in the new Texas Studios Powered by Dell Technologies located inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Additionally, two Learfield Studios Supervising Producers, an Editor, and a Social Content Specialist will be onsite along with Texas Athletics staff to create more in-depth, longform programs spotlighting various sports and the lives of student athletes on campus.
The LHN service is powered by Endeavor Streaming’s Vesper platform, a complete end-to-end streaming solution that enables leagues, rightsholders and media properties to build upon and deliver memorable direct-to-consumer streaming experiences for their fans.
Matt Starker, Chief Business Officer at Endeavor Streaming added: “The University of Texas has always been on the cutting edge of sports media. Longhorn Network was a profound innovation and we’re excited to partner with UT and Learfield to bring LHN into streaming. This new streaming service will allow fans to get access to more UT content than ever before on the device of their choosing, so they can feel closer and more connected to their favorite UT athletes and teams.”
For more information on LHN and how to download the app, please visit TexasSports.com/LHN, the official website of Texas Athletics, powered by SIDEARM Sports. Longhorns fans will continue to enjoy rich digital experiences through SIDEARM Sports with LHN content integrated seamlessly into the official website platform.