Report: Longhorn Network cancels “Longhorn Extra,” will keep other programs

Longhorn Network is the Texas-centric network created by ESPN specifically to focus on Longhorn sports. Created in 2011 under a twenty year contract, Longhorn Network provides fans with an inside look at 20 sports from the University of Texas athletic program. In addition to airing live sports, Longhorn Network had a signature nightly show, “Longhorn Extra” that provided news on the school’s 20 sports teams.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, ESPN officials have decided to cancel “Longhorn Extra” whitch not just reported on the major sports at Texas, but also on the Olympic sports at the program. It follows a move earlier this year to cancel “Texas All Access” which was a series which gave behind-the-scenes looks at the football program. “Texas All Access” will be integrated into other Longhorn Network shows.

ESPN has issued a statement in regards to the “Longhorn Extra” cancellation:

“We remain committed to providing quality content for Texas fans through 175 sporting events annually, weekly studio shows and academic programming on Longhorn Network.”

While “Longhorn Extra” is going, Longhorn Network will be keeping its Texas GameDay pregame show as well as weekly coaches shows. The network says it’s going to be focusing on live sports for now.

Longhorn Network does not subscribe to the Nielsen ratings so it’s tough to tell how well the channel does, but the Austin American-Statesman says “Longhorn Extra” didn’t do well enough according to ESPN’s internal metrics.

As the network evolves, it will find ways to cover Texas sports and fans who were used to watching “Longhorn Extra” will have to find other methods of keeping track of their favorite Texas sports.

[Austin American-Statesman]