AUSTIN— The University of Texas 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.
About The University of Texas Athletics
During the past five years, Texas Athletics has won 12 national championships and 54 Big 12 Conference titles. The program has also undergone a comprehensive facilities renovation touching all 21 sports, the largest in the history of college athletics, and a reimagined football gameday experience. During this time, Texas has won three of the last four Learfield Directors' Cup titles, an annual award given to the nation's top-performing athletics department. Texas Athletics is one of the few athletics programs in the country that is self-sustaining, generating $7 million annually for the University's academic enterprises. The program does not use state funding. Texas enters the Southeastern Conference on July 1, 2024.
About Endeavor Streaming
Endeavor Streaming, a subsidiary of Endeavor, is a global leader in premium video distribution and monetization for live and on-demand content across sports, entertainment, media and lifestyle. Through its complete end-to-end streaming platform and unique service offerings inclusive of advisory and consultancy, growth marketing, custom front-end development and more, Endeavor Streaming helps content creators, brands and rights holders transform, grow and scale their direct-to-consumer businesses. Endeavor Streaming is a trusted partner for leading global brands, delivering tens-of-thousands of major tentpole events annually including WrestleMania and UFC fight cards and powering streaming services including WNBA League Pass, UFC FIGHT PASS, NWSL, and more.
About Learfield
Learfield is a diversified and influential media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
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