SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - KSLA and Gray Local Media Friday announced greatly expanded access to New Orleans Pelicans games to benefit regional NBA fans as the 2025-26 season begins.
Non-national Pelicans games broadcast on the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (GCSEN) will now be available to DIRECTV streaming, satellite, and U-verse customers across the team’s entire three-state home territory.
### [**HOW TO WATCH THE PELICANS ON THE GULF COAST SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK**](https://www.ksla.com/page/pelicans/)
Directv partnership with GCSEN(FOX 8)
Starting with Wednesday night’s (Oct. 22) road opener against the Memphis Grizzlies, DIRECTV customers in all three states will be able to access the games.
In addition to their New Orleans home, Pelicans games will now be available to local fans in key cities including Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Monroe, and **Shreveport**, La.; Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson, and Meridian, Miss.; and Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, Ala., among several other communities.
“Since this incredible partnership began, we have been working to make the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network available to as many New Orleans Pelicans fans as possible and this is another major step in that process,” said Mikel Schaefer, general manager of WVUE in New Orleans and GCSEN. “As the official broadcast partner of the New Orleans Pelicans, we believe this will dramatically increase viewership across the entire network.”
“DIRECTV remains firmly committed to local sports at a time when many providers are either getting out, not getting in, or potentially making them more expensive to keep,” said Linda Burakoff, senior vice president of content & programming at DIRECTV. “We welcome the opportunity to work with fan-friendly broadcasters like Gray to ensure all the most loyal fans can access their favorite hometown teams.”
The Pelicans’ regular season begins with an electrifying matchup on Wednesday, Oct. 22 when they face the Grizzlies in Memphis, Tenn. That game will be simulcast on KSLA, with pre-game coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. and tip-off at 7 p.m. GCSEN is excited to deliver this highly anticipated season opener directly to regional homes.
“As we begin a new season, we’re proud to expand the reach of Pelicans basketball through our relationship with DIRECTV, making GCSEN more accessible than ever,” said Greg Bensel, Pelicans senior vice president of communications, broadcasting, community and government relations. “This is a meaningful step forward in our ongoing commitment to connect with fans throughout the Gulf South, whether they’re in major cities or small towns across the region.”
Beyond Pelicans basketball, the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network continues to offer an exciting and exclusive lineup of sports and entertainment programming. This includes popular shows such as the Saints Kick-Off Show and the Black & Gold Postgame Show, serving 14 markets across three states in the vibrant Gulf Coast region.
Stay tuned for more updates on the full schedule and programming details as we gear up for an action-packed season.
**About the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network:**
The Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network aims to be the Gulf Coast’s premier regional broadcast network featuring the area’s best sporting events past and present. The network combines the region’s rich sports history with today’s premier sporting events. The network is based out of WVUE-TV FOX 8 in New Orleans, La.
**About DIRECTV:**
DIRECTV is a premier provider of digital television entertainment in the United States. With a diverse range of programming options and cutting-edge technology, DIRECTV delivers a world-class viewing experience to millions of subscribers. Its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction keeps it at the forefront of the entertainment industry while providing customers with greater choice, flexibility, and control. For more information, visit www.directv.com
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