Jasper Johnson and his UK teammates will be on SEC Network+ a lot before SEC play starts. (UK Athletics Photo)
The good news about a lot of Kentucky basketball’s early-season games is that they will be televised — or at least sort of televised.
The bad news is that if you are not fluent with streaming, you will not be able to see a lot of the games.
NotBig Blue Madness and the Blue-White Event (formerly known as the Blue-White Game) will stream on the SEC Network+. That’s it. That will be the only way to see either event. Big Blue Madness is October 11 at 6 p.m. and the Blue-White Event is Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
Six more games — one exhibition and five regular season — are also going to be on SEC Network+.
Fortunately for many UK fans, the exhibition game against No. 1 Purdue on Oct. 24 in Rupp Arena will be on the SEC Network. The second exhibition game, Oct. 30 against Georgetown, is on SEC Network+.
After that, the BBN United Tip Off Classic will only be available on live stream. That starts with the regular-season opener against Nicholls State on Nov. 4, as will the games against Valparaiso on Nov. 7 and Eastern Illinois on Nov. 14.
The Loyola matchup on Nov. 21 is the final game in the BBN United Tip Off Classic and will be on SEC Network+. Even the game against Bellarmine on Dec. 23 is on SEC Network+.
Kentucky’s matchup with Louisville on Nov. 11 in the Yum Center still does not have a TV designation or starting time.
Here is a look at the starting times and streaming options that were announced on Thursday:
• Georgetown (EXH) – Oct. 30, 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+
• Nicholls State – Nov. 4, 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+
• Valparaiso – Nov. 7, 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+
• Eastern Illinois – Nov. 14, 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+
• Loyola (Maryland) – Nov. 21, 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+
• Bellarmine – Dec. 23, 1 p.m. ET on SEC Network+
10 Responses
Unfortunate to all of BBN.
Very unfortunate
It is a shame that you have to have plenty of money and technical know-how to be a fan. This is disgusting we don't need internet, a smart TV, but we do pay out the nose for spectrum cable just to be able to watch uk games. Maybe it is time to quit being fans.
Trust me Deborah, I feel your pain and frustration. UK does not
With a Sweet 16 game and being projected for a Final 4 this year, you would think more networks would be looking to feature Kentucky this season. Agreements are being negotiated by the conferences now and the SEC doesn't want Kentucky dominating the TV coverage fearing that will result in fewer SEC bids to the Big Dance.
The only thing I don't like is that you can't rewind these games during the live broadcast. I am a chronic rewinder of exciting plays. I do feel for the fans that can't watch these games, but for the VAST majority, it is just a VERY minor inconvenience to switch over to the ESPN app.
I feel the the same as all of you. I do get the ACC channel. Maybe a team on there worth watching.
It's all about $$. First SEC network for which a premium package is required from most providers, and now SEC+.
I THINK MAYBE IT IS TIME TO ORGANIZE A BOYCOTT. I LOOKED THIS UP THIS MORNING AND THIS IS WHO IS TO BLAME FOR TAKING OUR GAMES OFF REGULAR CABLE.
(The SEC Network is owned by ESPN Inc., which is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications. Disney holds a 80% controlling interest and operates the network, while Hearst holds the remaining 20%.
Here's a breakdown of the ownership structure:
The Walt Disney Company: Owns 80% of ESPN Inc.
Hearst Communications: Owns the remaining 20% of ESPN Inc.
ESPN Inc.: The parent company that owns and operates the SEC Network)
I do not know but I bet other team fans are having the same problem. Over the last few years Disney has been putting more and more games on + networks. I can remember the time when the sec network had alternate channels ( you did not have to pay for) for when there were several games at the same time. Paying for a + network on top of cable is really hard on old people and anyone on a fixed income.
Disney owns several companies including theme parks and TV networks maybe it is time to hit them in their pocketbooks. If we do not do something now it will only get worse.
I've listened to more UK games on the radio than I've watched on tv.
I recommend it.
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