The Longhorn Network or LHN is a television network that broadcasts sports programming related to the University of Texas. Given that it is a channel dedicated to a major college sports program, LHN must target hardcore UT fans all over the United States. However, due to its limited accessibility, LHN has been off-limits to many fans for a long time. The focus of this article is to find out if Longhorn Network is available on DirecTV Stream at present.
What is Longhorn Network?
Longhorn Network is a linear TV network that went live in 2011, as a project of ESPN in cooperation with the University of Texas. The station gives attention to Longhorns sports throughout the entire year, including football, basketball, baseball, and others, in addition to UT academic and cultural programs.
Like WDFN, LHN is a Disney/Texas joint venture; however, it is the first channel designed and fully devoted to a single college. The large agreement was to popularize LHN but the channel has experienced significant carriage issues in the past decade.
Is Longhorn Network Available on DirecTV Stream?
As of 2023, DirecTV Stream does not provide Longhorn Network to any of its channel packages or subscriptions:
• LHN is not part of the base DirecTV Stream packages such as Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, or Premier. This channel is not available in the basic package and you need to subscribe to additional packages to be able to access it.
• Longhorn Network is also absent from the Sports Pack, which includes a range of other sports channels.
• As of now, there are no other apps or separate packages that can help you access Longhorn Network on DirecTV Stream.
As such, it is sad that LHN is still missing in one of the biggest live TV streaming services. It remains one of the communication channels that are not very popular with the public.
Why Longhorn Network is not available on DirecTV Stream?
There are likely a few key factors contributing to Longhorn Network's absence on DirecTV Stream:
No Carriage Deal
First and foremost, DirecTV Stream lacks the ESPN/Disney networks carriage agreement that would allow the platform to include Longhorn Network in its offering. DirecTV Stream currently does not have the rights to broadcast LHN because the company lacks a distribution agreement.
Narrow Appeal
Due to its single-minded focus on UT athletics and content, LHN is indeed a niche channel that is of interest to a very limited group of people. Such a targeted network offers almost no benefits to reach broader audiences, which is a goal for most national platforms, including DirecTV Stream.
Previous AT&T Dispute
Previous negotiations between LHN and the former owner of DirecTV AT&T were said to have reached a deadlock over licensing costs as well as channel positioning. Which paused many earlier attempts at further expansion.
Can I Get Longhorn Network Any Other Way Than Directv Stream?
Since an LHN live stream remains unavailable on DirecTV Stream in 2023, here are a few alternative ways to access Longhorn programming: Since an LHN live stream remains unavailable on DirecTV Stream in 2023, here are a few alternative ways to access Longhorn programming:
• Cable Provider – Currently few cable TV providers offer LHN as a part of some of their packages. See below for offers from Spectrum, Optimum, Suddenlink, and many other providers.
• Other live TV streaming services such as FuboTV, Sling, and YouTube TV may also carry LHN in some markets and plans. Check each for availability.
• ESPN App – There is also an option to log in with a valid TV provider that includes LHN and you’ll be able to watch the live stream of the channel through the ESPN app.
• Locast – Where available, this non-profit streaming service has aired LHN for free in some metro Texas.
Conclusion
As much as a pure streaming service is yet to be actualized, getting a legal way of accessing Longhorn Network is still a challenge, which can only be accessed by specific TV providers or packages that are not commonly offered all across the nation. Unfortunately, LHN is still missing from DirecTV Stream, and there is no sign that it will return soon. This remains a source of irritation to UT fans who do not have the right cable or satellite subscription. Perhaps one day the increasing number of fans of college football and sports will enable them to gain broader access to this type of content.
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