Despite Their Own "Network", The OU vs. ULM Game Will Only Be Available Live On Pay-Per-View

The news is not unexpected, but that certainly does not make it any less disappointing.  In spite of having their own "network" agreement with Fox Sports, Oklahoma's season opening game against Louisiana-Monroe will only be available for live viewing via a pay-per-view broadcast.

The university released a statement on Friday morning with the relevant details:

FOX Sports Oklahoma announced Friday the participating program providers that will distribute the season-opening Aug. 31 football game between Oklahoma and Louisiana-Monroe on pay-per-view. Suggested retail price is $39.95 for the telecast, which will be available in high-definition.

Ron Thulin, Dave Lapham and Chad McKee (sidelines) will call the game, while coverage will begin with Sooner Gameday at 5 p.m. Following the contest, Sooner Sports Overtime will have complete postgame analysis and press conferences from OU coaches and student-athletes.

The game is being televised on pay-per-view because it wasn't selected for over-the-air broadcast or cable television coverage. It will be available on a dedicated pay-per-view channel on participating Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas program providers and nationwide via participating satellite and Telco distributors.

Outside of the state of Oklahoma, viewers can purchase a live stream of the pay-per-view telecast on SoonerSports.tv, OU's premium digital website, for $44.95 to watch on their computer, mobile device or tablet. The purchase will include three free months of SoonerSports.tv and SoonersIllustrated.com.

Couple key points in that release.  The first being if you don't live in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, or Arkansas it would appear you may not be able to purchase the game through your cable provider.  It will depend on whether or not your provider offers the game, so start calling now to find out.

Second, if you're one of the unlucky few who either aren't going or cannot purchase through you cable provider you aren't entirely out of luck.  As you can see above, Sooner Sports TV will offer a live streaming option although it is even more expensive than the television broadcast.

Needless to say this isn't exactly what OU fans expected when the Sooners announced the plans for their own network.  However it also isn't the first year fans have been forced to pay for one of the non-conference games, so having gone through it before many fans have a plan in place for how they'll watch the game.