The University is gearing up to create a cable and satellite television station devoted to Longhorn sports programming.

After closed-door discussions of the potential new Longhorn sports station, the UT System Board of Regents approved a motion Wednesday to allow UT President William Powers Jr. to pick a network partner, such as ESPN or FOX, to establish the television station and finalize its organizational and operational structure. The distribution of UT content will not be limited to television — UT will utilize web and other digital distribution, according to the motion.

Regent Steve Hicks, the board’s athletic liaison, said he worked on the idea with Powers and UT athletics director DeLoss Dodds for several months.

“I think this is a unique opportunity not only for our athletic department but hopefully the academic departments going forward,” Hicks said. “It’s a wonderful idea and I hope that we’re successful in our negotiations.”

The University will have to complete construction of studio space for network operations in the northern end zone of the Darrell K Royal-Memorial Stadium to give the network ample operating space. According to The Associated Press, ESPN has confirmed it is in talks with the University about the station.

“I just hope that I can get streaming content on my iPad,” said board Vice Chairwoman Janiece Longoria.