The Longhorn Network or LHN is a cable and satellite television network that focuses primarily on the University of Texas’s sports events and content. ESPN owns and operates the channel in conjunction with the University of Texas and began broadcasting in August 2011. But as of now, more than ten years later, The Longhorn Network has yet to be aired on Dish Network. Okay, so which channel is the Longhorn Network on Dish? Regrettably, the Longhorn Network has not been added to the Dish Network yet.
History of Distribution of Longhorn Network
ESPN’s Longhorn Network officially debuted in August 2011 and failed to find regular distribution on most major cable systems outside of Texas. However, Dish Network and DirecTV have been cautious about launching the Longhorn Network for many years. They did not wish to incur costs for a regional sports network which would be of interest to only a small portion of the populace, which forms their customer base.
Eventually, DirecTV and several major cable companies agreed to carry LHN as fans demanded it and as ESPN and the University of Texas pushed for it. But Dish has continued not to be part of the list of companies that have decided to pick up the channel.
Longhorn Network
Why Isn’t The Longhorn Network on Dish Network?
Dish Network has been accused in the past of negotiating with networks on carriage fees and contract terms in a somewhat aggressive manner. Including just one regional sports channel is probably not financially viable for Dish as opposed to platforms such as DirecTV or local Texas service providers.
Specific carriage fees and contractual provisions between Dish and ESPN/LHN have not been disclosed. However, the two sides have not agreed on any win-win solution ever since negotiations are said to have collapsed before LHN was launched in 2011.
Dish appears to be reluctant to pay carriage fees for limited out-of-market interest. Consequently, ESPN and the University of Texas do not have the element of power to gain any leverage over Dish. Hence the deadlock remains decade after decade.
LHN supporters have continually urged Dish to include LHN in their package to no avail. In social media, Dish commonly argues that they do not offer the niche regional channel due to low viewer demand from its subscribers.
Some of the options that are available for the viewing of Longhorn Network without Dish include the following;
The good news for Texas fans is that many TV providers do broadcast the Longhorn Network in 2023. LHN is offered on most of the leading cable and satellite systems across most of the areas in Texas.
Here are some of the best ways to subscribe:
- DIRECTV – 668
- AT&T U-verse – channel 620
- FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV with their Sports Plus packages
- LHN is also available on TV streaming services, but usually at an added cost:
- Hulu Live TV ($9/mo Sports add-on).
- Sling TV Orange Sports Extra ($11/mo add-on)
Moreover, LHN programming is available via the WatchESPN app and ESPN. com if users provide the necessary TV provider information.
Fans outside the market can always tune into ESPN+ for on-demand LHN shows and content. However, live games normally need a TV provider login.
What about Longhorn Network? Will Dish Network ever get the Longhorn Network?
There is no indication that Dish will agree to add LHN at this stage unless something alters in the future. Regional sports nets are no longer as attractive an acquisition target anymore because of shrinking cord and rising programming prices. It also targets more of the domestic market which is not such a strong point for LHN.
But if more pressure is put on ESPN and/or Texas or if they agree to make certain conces- sions, the deals can be made no matter how rigid the stand. The situation is still quite uncertain and is at least worth watching for Texas fans who want to watch LHN games and content on Dish. However, for the time being, Dish Network is still without Longhorn Network which is the largest sports network that is not yet in the package.
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