LHN (Longhorn Network)
Verified sports broadcast rights, direct live channels, and cord-cutting subscription review.
Expert Review & Verdict
Stream2Watch Sports Editorial Desk • Audited October 2026
The Verdict
Our Verdict: The Longhorn Network has undergone a fundamental transformation. Once a groundbreaking, $300 million linear cable channel dedicated to live University of Texas sports, it ceased traditional broadcast operations in mid-2024 following the university's move to the SEC. Today, LHN survives as a free, niche digital streaming service. While it no longer holds the rights to broadcast live, premium football or basketball games, it serves as a valuable, centralized archive for historical game footage, original documentaries, and behind-the-scenes content across all Texas athletic programs. For dedicated Longhorn fans seeking deep-cut historical content or non-revenue sports coverage, it remains a useful, zero-cost resource. However, viewers expecting live, high-stakes game broadcasts will need to rely on traditional ESPN or SEC Network platforms.
Best For
- Viewers tracking dedicated live coverage in our Football, Basketball, Baseball schedule hubs.
- Cord-cutters who demand reliable 60fps HD or 4K video feeds directly from official broadcast servers.
- Viewers wanting contract-free monthly flexibility without long-term commitments.
Pricing Reality
LHN (Longhorn Network) is 100% free to access, making it an extraordinary option for budget-conscious sports fans.
- No credit card or payment information required.
- Immediate access to authorized live tournament schedules.
Technical Performance
- Resolution: Device Dependent with adaptive bitrate delivery to prevent buffering.
- Simultaneous Screens: Up to 2 screens at once for household viewing.
- DVR & Replays: VOD Replays for catching fixtures after work.
- Supported Devices: Works natively on Mobile (iOS/Android), Web Browser, Tablet (iOS/Android), Smart TVs (via browser or casting), Chromecast.
In-Depth Platform Analysis & Coverage
The Longhorn Network (LHN) was originally launched in 2011 as an unprecedented joint venture between the University of Texas at Austin, ESPN, and Learfield, serving as a 24/7 linear cable channel dedicated exclusively to Texas Longhorns athletics. However, with the university's official transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the linear cable network ceased operations on June 30, 2024.
Rather than disappearing entirely, the brand was reimagined and relaunched in July 2024 as a free, direct-to-consumer digital streaming platform. This pivot shifted the service's focus from live, premium game broadcasting to archival preservation and original programming. The current iteration of LHN provides fans with unrestricted access to a vast library of historical game replays, classic moments, and legacy content spanning decades of Texas sports history. It also continues to produce original studio shows, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes documentaries covering all 21 of the university's athletic programs, including Olympic and non-revenue sports.
The primary limitation of the modern LHN streaming service is the absence of live, premium collegiate football and basketball broadcasts. Those media rights were transferred to ESPN, ABC, and the SEC Network as part of the conference realignment. Consequently, the platform functions more as a supplementary digital hub than a primary live sports destination. The user interface is straightforward and optimized for on-demand viewing, but it lacks the interactive, real-time statistical features found on modern live sports streaming applications. Despite this, its completely free access model ensures it remains a viable resource for dedicated alumni and fans seeking historical context and exclusive archival content.
What We Like (Pros)
- Completely free to use with no subscription fees or cable authentication requirements
- Unmatched centralized archive of historical Texas Longhorns sports content
- Continued production of high-quality original documentaries and studio programming
- Valuable exposure for non-revenue and Olympic sports programs
- Reliable streaming infrastructure backed by ESPN's technical resources
What to Consider (Cons)
- No longer broadcasts live, premium Texas Longhorns football or basketball games
- Functions primarily as an archival and supplementary service rather than a live sports destination
- Lacks advanced interactive features such as real-time statistics or multi-camera live feeds
- Content library is strictly limited to University of Texas athletics, offering no broader sports appeal
- User interface is basic and optimized for on-demand viewing rather than live event discovery
Subscription Packages & Pricing
- 24/7 access to original Longhorn Network programming, documentaries, and live studio shows
- Extensive video-on-demand archive of historical Texas Longhorns games and legacy content
- Behind-the-scenes access to all 21 of Texas Athletics' programs, including non-revenue sports
- Multi-device support via the official LHN mobile application and web browser
Live TV Channels & Station Lineup
Official television networks and sports broadcast feeds carried by LHN (Longhorn Network).
Longhorn Network
Where LHN (Longhorn Network) is Available
Select your regional sports TV hub to browse local channels and schedules.
Supported Devices & Streaming Apps
Native applications and verified hardware compatibility for LHN (Longhorn Network).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does LHN (Longhorn Network) cost?
LHN (Longhorn Network) starts from $9.99 - $19.99/mo (USD Est.). All plans operate on a flexible cancel-anytime monthly basis.
What sports can I watch on LHN (Longhorn Network)?
LHN (Longhorn Network) broadcasts official live coverage for Football (Archival), Basketball (Archival), Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, including NCAA Division I (University of Texas at Austin Athletics), Historical Big 12 Conference (Archival), Historical Southwest Conference (Archival).
What devices can I use to stream LHN (Longhorn Network)?
LHN (Longhorn Network) is supported on Mobile (iOS/Android), Web Browser, Tablet (iOS/Android), Smart TVs (via browser or casting), Chromecast, Apple AirPlay.
Is LHN (Longhorn Network) a legitimate, official sports service?
Yes. LHN (Longhorn Network) is a fully licensed, authenticated streaming service holding official broadcasting rights. Stream2Watch only lists authorized platforms.