How to get around ESPN blackout in 2025
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If you run into a blackout on ESPN+ while trying to watch a sports game, it doesn’t have to be the end of your game. These blackouts simply mean that the sports match isn’t available to stream in your region because it’s being broadcast by one of the local channels. Fortunately, if you’re not in that particular local region, there’s an easy way how to get around the ESPN blackout and bypass these geo-restrictions.
By using a VPN, you can change your IP address to make it look like you’re connecting from a different geographical location — and bypass ESPN blackouts. For instance, if you’d like to watch the recent NBA playoffs via a streaming service while in Italy, you can use a VPN to change your location to an area in Boston (which isn’t affected by the ESPN blackout). Let’s break it down into a few steps.
How to get around ESPN blackout with a VPN
- Subscribe to a VPN with speedy US servers. I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Download and install the app on your device
- Connect to a server in a state where the ESPN+ stream is available (for example, Illinois or Washington)
- Visit the ESPN+ website and enjoy the matches
Best VPNs to get around ESPN blackout in 2025
- NordVPN – best VPN to get around ESPN blackout in 2025
- Surfshark – affordable ESPN VPN to bypass blackouts on any device
- IPVanish – streaming-optimized VPN to watch ESPN matches
Together with our research team, I tested all top-rated VPNs on the market to select those that work with ESPN and can bypass blackouts. I looked for an extensive network of fast US servers, robust security features, excellent speed retention rates, and additional features to enhance your browsing experience.
Why does ESPN black out games?
In the US, sports generally have two broadcasting tiers – local and national live streams. National broadcasts are available on over-the-top streaming services, like ESPN+ and FuboTV, but local games are often blacked out. That's because ESPN must abide by rights holders' agreements.
Each sports league negotiates contracts with streaming services and cable TV providers for the rights to broadcast their tournaments. Local matches are frequently telecast via local cable TV channels that want to retain an active user base in a competitive streaming landscape. Meanwhile, national games are broadcast over the internet to make them available nationwide. Although there's no comprehensive ESPN blackout map, you'll know the stream is restricted because ESPN will display the ESPN blackout error message.
Luckily, VPNs are especially effective at getting around ESPN blackout restrictions. For example, you can use one to avoid the ESPN NHL blackout wherever you reside. ESPN+ doesn’t aggressively block VPNs, so you'll quickly find a working US-based server to watch restricted games.
Best VPNs to get around ESPN blackouts – detailed review
Along with experts, I first reviewed 41 VPNs to pick the ones best for sports streaming. I specifically looked at US-based server availability and speed, streaming-friendly features, price, and a money-back guarantee in case you only require a VPN for a few matches. Here are my top three recommendations.
1. NordVPN – best ESPN+ streaming VPN overall
| Servers in the US: | 1970+ servers in 16 locations |
| Servers/countries: | 7700+ servers in 118 countries |
| Bypass ESPN blackout: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + free eSIM data |
NordVPN is the best VPN to get around the ESPN blackout. It offers a massive fleet of 1970+ US-based servers in 16 locations and blazing speeds for Full HD streaming (the maximum quality available on ESPN+). Plus, it has a proven track record of bypassing restrictions with streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.
During NordVPN testing, it easily bypassed ESPN+ restrictions to access blackout content. That’s all thanks to its default SmartPlay feature available on every NordVPN server. I was able to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder during the NBA playoffs by changing my IP address to a Boston address. I didn’t experience any buffering or quality issues, and was satisfied with the Full HD streaming quality.
While connected to US servers, NordVPN maintained excellent speeds throughout my testing with its proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol. I measured the VPN’s speed retention and was impressed by its results. It retained 83.8% of the initial speed, so I could enjoy a lag-free streaming experience.
Furthermore, NordVPN is compatible with multiple devices for watching ESPN games: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even smart TVs like Android TV and tvOS (Apple TV). For devices that don’t support NordVPN, such as older smart TVs, you can use a SmartDNS. However, it supports only 10 simultaneous connections, while competitors like Surfshark offer unlimited connections. It’s not a significant drawback since ESPN+ users can stream content across only 3 devices at the same time.
What I really like about NordVPN is that despite its top-notch performance and advanced features, it’s still an affordable VPN. It costs only $3.39/month and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Android users can also get a 7-day free trial, which can later be used on all compatible devices.
| Basic plan | Plus plan | Complete plan | Prime plan | |
| 1 month | $12.99/month | $13.99/month | $14.99/month | $17.99/month |
| 1 year | $4.99/month | $5.99/month | $6.99/month | $8.99/month |
| 2 years | $3.39/month | $4.39/month | $5.39/month | $7.39/month |
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly ESPN+ streaming VPN with unlimited connections
| Servers in the US: | 600+ servers in 22 locations |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Bypass ESPN blackout: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is a mighty choice to get around ESPN blackouts on multiple devices (smart TVs, mobiles, or desktops). It provides 600+ US-based servers in 22 major cities, which is significantly less than NordVPN, but still a huge number. You can bypass ESPN geo-restrictions in seconds and stream at high speeds.
Based on Surfshark VPN testing, it works well with ESPN+ and has been tested numerous times to be an excellent solution to bypass blackouts or content restrictions on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. I tried using it to watch the Dodgers game in the MLB playoffs by changing my IP address to a Latham address. As with NordVPN, I could stream ESPN+ in Full HD, buffer-free.
When I connected to US servers, Surfshark demonstrated excellent speeds. With WireGuard, the provider ensured 80.6% of the original speed retention. This is a pretty speedy connection, which leads to a lag-free streaming experience.
What’s more, Surfshark offers the same high device compatibility as NordVPN. You can enjoy ESPN+ sports games unrestricted on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and smart TVs like Android TV and tvOS (Apple TV). There’s also a Smart DNS technology if you have an older smart TV and want to optimize your streaming quality. One of the main things I like about Surfshark is that you can watch it on unlimited simultaneous connections, a rare sight in the VPN world. However, you won’t be able to make much use of this feature as ESPN+ lets you use only 3 devices.
If you think NordVPN’s affordable, you probably haven’t seen Surfshark’s pricing. Its plans start for as low as $1.99/month. You can also make use of its 30-day money-back guarantee. Android, iOS, and macOS users also get a 7-day free trial to try the VPN.
| Surfshark Starter plan | Surfshark One plan | Surfshark One+ plan | |
| 1 month | $15.45/month | $17.95/month | $20.65/month |
| 1 year | $3.19/month | $3.39/month | $6.09/month |
| 2 years | $1.99/month | $2.49/month | $3.99/month |
3. IPVanish – versatile streaming VPN for bypassing ESPN+ blackouts
| Servers in the US: | 1020+ servers in 19 locations |
| Servers/countries: | 2400+ servers in 109 countries |
| Bypass ESPN blackout: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is a well-rounded VPN service capable of removing ESPN blackouts. It offers 1020+ servers in 19 areas in the US, which is slightly less than NordVPN, but still plenty of US-based IP address options. This is an excellent choice for households with many sports fans, as it ensures fast connection speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections. Although, as I mentioned above, ESPN+ supports up to 3 devices.
When testing IPVanish, I had no trouble streaming ESPN+ and unblocking foreign content libraries for BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Hulu. I was able to watch the Florida Panthers during the NHL playoffs in Full HD without any lag or buffering. That’s because the VPN utilizes the powerful WireGuard protocol for conducting connections.
IPVanish performed well in our latest speed tests. When I connected to a Houston server, connection speeds were excellent, retaining around 82.8% of the initial speed on average. It catches up to NordVPN’s and Surfshark’s ultra-fast speeds without any trouble, meaning a smooth streaming experience for you.
Like NordVPN and Surfshark, IPVanish is compatible with a wide range of devices. It allows you to stream unrestricted on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and smart TVs like tvOS (Apple TV) and Android TV. For older smart TVs, you can use a Smart DNS. Also, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, but as I mentioned, you can only use 3 devices.
IPVanish is one of the cheapest monthly VPNs to stream ESPN+. You can get this service for as little as $2.19/month. Also, remember about the 30-day money-back guarantee if IPVanish doesn’t meet your expectations.
| IPVanish Essential plan | IPVanish Advanced plan | |
| 1 month | $12.99/month | $14.99/month |
| 1 year | $3.33/month | $4.49/month |
| 2 years | $2.19/month | $3.29/month |
How can a VPN help to get around ESPN blackouts?
Like most over-the-top streaming services, ESPN+ monitors your IP address to determine your geographical location. If you're in an area where it doesn't have the right to broadcast a sports match, you'll get an error message. Even if you reside in the US, but attempt to stream while on vacation abroad, you'll only see the ESPN+ blackout, not the actual game.
A VPN lets you choose a US-based server to get a different IP address to work around the blackout and watch ESPN online. You can simply connect to a server in a different state that broadcasts the match nationwide and enjoy the stream as if you were there. Simultaneously, you can access ESPN+ outside the US and watch games live abroad.
If you're wondering whether using a VPN to watch ESPN+ blackout games is legal, don't worry – you won't be breaking the law. However, it might violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms, which can lead to account restrictions. I advise always checking the specific laws and platform terms to ensure compliance.
ESPN+ live blackouts: browser vs mobile
To watch blackout ESPN games, you need a VPN to change your IP address and bypass location-based restrictions. ESPN+ determines your location by checking your desktop device’s IP address, so using a VPN is a simple way to bypass blackouts. Moreover, ESPN+ doesn't push these rules too hard, and although they can issue an account ban if the user doesn't abide by its rules, they commonly simply block the VPN IP address.
Unblocking ESPN+ on mobiles is more complicated. ESPN+ forces smartphone users to turn on GPS location tracking to verify their location and provide only geographically available streams. Because GPS technology is unrelated to IP addresses, VPNs cannot obfuscate your smartphone’s location to bypass the ESPN blackout. That is, they require additional software.
It's possible to use a GPS spoofer to change your phone's virtual location and then use a VPN to connect to a US server to watch the games. Unfortunately, GPS spoofers require rooting or jailbreaking the smartphone, which is often risky, as it can void your phone’s warranty.
I recommend sticking to streaming via a browser or a smart TV. With the help of the VPN, you can easily change your device's IP address and bypass geo-restrictions to enjoy sports games on ESPN+.
Bypass ESPN+ live blackouts on browser
You can watch sports live streams of your team via your browser. Follow this short and simple guide to learn how:
- Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN. I recommend NordVPN with SmartPlay technology.
-
Download and install the VPN on your device – the app installs just like any regular application.
- Launch the VPN app or install a web browser extension.
-
Connect to a server in the US state with an available ESPN+ stream. This allows you to change your IP address using a few simple steps – either use the list of available servers in the US via the search bar or the interactive map, and click the preferred location.
- Go to the ESPN+ website and enjoy the match.
I recommend using the Incognito/Private mode when changing the region for streaming purposes. That’s because your browser’s cookies and cache could expose your true location. You can access the Incognito/Private mode via your browser’s settings menu. If ESPN+ issues a blackout while you’re connected to a VPN, you may need to clear the browser's cache. Follow these instructions and restart the browser.
Bypass ESPN+ live blackouts on Android/iOS
If you’d like to watch ESPN+ sports matches on your smartphone (Android or iOS), there’s a slightly different process for that. Here’s how:
- Choose a mobile-friendly VPN. NordVPN has an amazing mobile app
- Download the VPN from the Apple Store or Google Play Store
- Choose a secure GPS spoofer for your smartphone
- Follow the spoofers' instructions to obfuscate the original GPS location (it might involve rooting and jailbreaking the device)
- Open the VPN app
- Connect to a server in the US state that streams ESPN+ games
- Launch the ESPN+ mobile app or visit the website via browser and enjoy the sports live
How to get around ESPN blackout without a VPN
If you encounter an ESPN blackout, the most obvious way is to use a cable TV channel that shows the local sports game. ESPN also has a cable TV service. However, this solution isn’t the right fit if you don’t own a television and use the internet instead.
There's a way to get around the ESPN blackout using proxy servers. Similar to a VPN, they also obfuscate your original IP address and provide an alternative so you can connect to a US-based proxy server to access the ESPN+ stream. However, proxies don’t encrypt your traffic or offer streaming-friendly features, so there’s a good chance that ESPN+ will detect them and deny access to sports streams.
Conclusion
ESPN+ is a great platform to watch popular sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB. However, even paid users can sometimes miss a match due to broadcasting rights agreements, as ESPN often imposes a broadcast blackout for local games.
Luckily, you can get around the blackout restrictions using a streaming-optimized VPN service. NordVPN is the best VPN to watch ESPN+ because it has 1970+ fast US servers with SmartPlay technology for enhanced streaming. It can also offer excellent performance results for a lag-free streaming experience and online security.
FAQ
Why is ESPN not working?
ESPN might not work because you’re trying to watch from a blackout area. Alternatively, it could be a technical issue, such as problems with your internet connection, HDMI, or something with your streaming device. Try watching from other apps and see if the problem persists.
How do I get around ESPN+ blackout?
You can easily get around the ESPN blackout by using a streaming-friendly VPN service, like NordVPN. Connect your VPN to a server in the US state that broadcasts the sports match, and then go to the ESPN+ website to watch it.
Why is there a blackout on ESPN+?
ESPN+ imposes a streaming blackout to abide by broadcasting rights. Each sports league negotiates deals with streaming services and cable TV for the rights to stream their games. You’ll encounter a streaming blackout when over-the-top streaming services like ESPN+ don’t obtain the broadcast rights.
Is it legal to get around ESPN blackouts using a VPN?
Yes, using a VPN to access ESPN streams in countries that don’t have explicit anti-VPN laws is perfectly legal. Although ESPN attempts to restrict VPN users, it commonly bans a VPN IP address, leaving the account intact. Connecting to a different VPN server often solves the issue.
Why is ESPN blacked out in my area?
You may encounter the This content is subject to blackout error message because the streaming service doesn’t have the rights to broadcast a specific sports match locally. You can use a VPN to connect to a different US state that streams the game and still enjoy the show.
How can I watch ESPN without a TV provider?
To watch ESPN without a TV provider, you can subscribe to live TV streaming services like Sling TV, FuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV, which offer access to the ESPN channel. Note that ESPN+ is a separate online streaming service with different content and doesn’t include the ESPN TV channel.
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