AT&T Inks Deal With ESPN for Longhorn Network

Reaches an agreement for carriage on U-verse TV in time for University of Texas season opener

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 8/31/2012 12:55:57 PM

AT&T U-verse TV has reached an agreement with ESPN for carriage of the Longhorn Network in time for its subscribers to be able to watch the University of Texas' opening football game against Wyoming on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. CT.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The network, which focuses on University of Texas sports, academics and cultural programming, will be available to U-verse TV customers in Texas subscribing to the U100 package and above. In other parts of the U-verse footprint, customers getting the U450 package will be able to view the programming in HD and SD.

As part of the agreement, AT&T also is planning to launch a live, linear feed of Longhorn Network online to subscribers via computers, smartphones and tablets at some future date.

"We know fans are passionate about watching Longhorn football, and we're thrilled to offer Longhorn Network to U-verse TV customers in Texas and nationwide," said Jeff Weber, president of content and advertising services at AT&T Home Solutions, in a statement. "This is another example of how we continue to deliver the content customers want."

David Preschlack, executive VP, Disney and ESPN Media Networks added in another statement that the agreement brings the Longhorn Network "to more than a million Longhorn fans in Texas and throughout the country."