How to watch NFL blackout games with a VPN in 2026

With the 2026 NFL season well underway, finding the game you want to watch can still be challenging. Unfortunately, in the US, game rights are split between local broadcasters and streaming services. For example, CBS and FOX carry Sunday afternoon games in local markets, but NBC, ESPN/ABC, Prime Video, NFL Network, Netflix, and a few other platforms have select matchups. What’s more, where a game airs depends on the matchup and your location. So, keeping up with all the NFL games can get confusing really quickly.

These restrictions are often called NFL blackouts, and since they are location-based, they can leave a game unavailable even if a service typically broadcasts NFL games. So, streaming the full season may require multiple subscriptions, which can end up costing you hundreds of dollars per season.

Outside the US, NFL Game Pass on DAZN broadcasts live games in more than 200 countries. And though regional restrictions may still apply, streaming the 2026 NFL season this way is the cheapest option. In this guide, I'll show you how to watch blackout NFL games on DAZN in the US using a VPN.

What is an NFL blackout?

An NFL blackout is a restriction that prevents viewers in a particular area from watching a game through a specific broadcaster or streaming service. Historically, NFL blackouts were tied to ticket sales, with games subject to blackout rules when teams failed to sell enough tickets. However, as of 2015, the NFL suspended this policy.

Today, NFL blackout rules are based on location and broadcasting rights. Depending on where you live, a game may be unavailable on a particular streaming service because another network or broadcaster has the rights to show it in your area. This is essentially a form of geo-restriction, with availability determined by your broadcast territory and market area.

Out-of-market games may be unavailable through services that carry only games assigned to your local market. Meanwhile, nationally televised games are generally available nationwide through their designated broadcaster. When it comes to out-of-market NFL games, some subscription services offer access, but local broadcast rights can still affect availability.

How can a VPN help you get around NFL blackouts?

A VPN can help you navigate NFL blackouts by changing the IP address that websites and streaming services use to estimate your location. When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is routed through that server, making it appear as though you’re connecting from its location rather than your actual one. For example, if you’re in Tennessee, you could connect to a UK VPN server, and the streaming service will think you’re in the UK.

This is useful when a game is subject to location-based viewing restrictions. However, a VPN isn’t guaranteed to bypass every blackout, as streaming services may use additional location checks, and blackout rules vary by game and service. Some services can combine your IP address with other location signals to enforce geo-blocking.

The cheapest way to stream NFL blackout games in 2026

The cheapest way to stream NFL blackout games is using DAZN NFL Game Pass International with a VPN. DAZN NFL Game Pass International offers access to live NFL games in supported international markets, but the service isn’t available to viewers in the US.

A VPN can change your virtual location, allowing you to connect to a server in a country where DAZN NFL Game Pass International is available. Below, I break down the pricing of this method.

What you need	Cost	Notes
NordVPN (2-year plan)	$3.49/month, $17.45 for the NFL season	Servers in 225 locations, reliable at unblocking DAZN.
DAZN NFL Game Pass International	$90-$230/season, depending on the country	No blackouts except the UK and Ireland, where there are two live Sunday-game blackouts per week, so pick a VPN server in a supported country outside those two. Brazil is one of the cheapest regions.
Total	$110-$250/season	Compared with $240-$378 for only the NFL Sunday Ticket TV add-on, a YouTube TV subscription is also required

How to watch NFL blackout games 2026: step-by-step

In this section, I’ll show you how to watch the NFL from anywhere without blackouts using DAZN and a VPN. I recommend doing this on a desktop browser, as the DAZN mobile app often requires GPS-based location verification, which can be more difficult to work around.

Step 1. Pick your DAZN country

DAZN NFL Game Pass International is available in more than 200 countries, but some locations are less suitable due to local broadcast restrictions. For example, the UK and Ireland still have two live Sunday-game blackouts per week. So, choosing a server location is an important step.

Canada, Australia, and Germany are commonly the most reliable options and should not have any NFL blackouts, while Brazil is one of the cheapest regions.

Here’s a comparison of NFL Game Pass pricing on DAZN for the Season Pro Regular package when paid upfront:

• Germany: €99 (about $115)
• France: €129.99 (about $151)
• Spain: €99 (about $115)
• Italy: €154.99 (about $180)
• Australia: A$149 (about $98)
• Brazil: R$479.90 (about $90)
• Japan: ¥33,000 (about $215)
• Mexico: MXN3,100 (about $175)

• Note: prices checked on October 29th, 2026

Step 2. Connect to a VPN first

Open your VPN and connect to a server in your chosen country before visiting the DAZN website or opening the app. Starting with the VPN connected helps ensure that DAZN sees the intended location from the beginning of your session.

Based on my experience testing multiple streaming VPNs, NordVPN is the best option. It offers servers across 225 locations, making it easy to try a different server if one doesn't work. It also provides fast connection speeds through its NordLynx protocol and includes features such as a kill switch, which helps protect your connection if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.

Step 3. Clear your cookies or use incognito mode

DAZN, like most streaming services, can use cookies and other browser data from previous visits to determine your location. To start with a clean session, open DAZN in an incognito or private browsing window after connecting to the VPN. Alternatively, you can use a different browser you haven't used before to access DAZN.

Step 4. Create a new DAZN account

While connected to the VPN, visit the DAZN website and create a new account. You'll need an email address that isn't already associated with a DAZN account. Your email address itself doesn't determine your billing country.

Step 5. Choose a payment method

This is one of the main bottlenecks you'll run into. DAZN checks your payment details against your subscription region, so using a card from another country can cause the payment to fail.

Here are the options that work:

• Virtual card. Use a virtual card that lets you set the billing country to match your DAZN region.
• PayPal. PayPal works in some DAZN markets and can bypass the need to enter a local card directly.
• Credit card. Use a card that supports international transactions and has no foreign transaction fees. The charge will appear in the local currency.

If your first payment method doesn't work, try another one rather than changing your DAZN region.

Step 6. Subscribe to NFL Game Pass

Once you're signed in and DAZN is displaying the correct regional offering, select NFL Game Pass. Depending on the country, Game Pass may be available as a standalone subscription or as part of a DAZN package, so make sure you’re getting one that has the NFL Game Pass.

Step 7. Always connect the VPN before watching

When you want to watch NFL Game Pass, connect to your VPN before opening DAZN or starting a stream.

Using the same country consistently can help avoid unnecessary location checks. If you switch between countries or servers frequently, DAZN may ask you to verify your location again or temporarily restrict access.

Step 8. Have a backup server ready

DAZN sometimes blocks VPN server IP addresses, especially when an IP is shared by a large number of VPN users. If your usual server stops working, don't waste time troubleshooting it.

Instead, disconnect and connect to a different server in the same country. If the first server is blocked, another server or city will often work.

This is another reason to choose a streaming VPN with a large server network. The more servers you have available in your chosen country, the easier it is to switch when one gets blocked.

Best VPNs for streaming NFL blackout games 2026

For this guide, I tested multiple VPNs to see how well they work for bypassing NFL preseason blackouts and other restrictions. Based on my testing, I’ve compiled a list of the best VPNs for streaming blacked-out NFL games:

1. NordVPN – best overall VPN for streaming NFL games
2. Surfshark – best NFL VPN for streaming blacked-out games on unlimited devices
3. IPVanish – best budget-friendly VPN for bypassing NFL blackouts

Is it legal to use a VPN to watch NFL blackout games?

Yes, using a VPN to watch NFL blackout games is legal. However, whether it violates a streaming service's terms of service (ToS) depends on the platform’s specific policies.

For example, DAZN’s Terms of Service don’t explicitly mention the use of VPNs or other technologies to bypass content restrictions. That said, some streaming services may restrict or suspend accounts if they determine that VPN use violates their terms of service, creating an account ban risk.

In any case, unless VPN use is illegal in your country, using a VPN to stream content isn’t something that would result in legal consequences. The potential issue is more likely to be a violation of the streaming service’s terms of service rather than a criminal or civil offense.

VPNs are legitimate privacy tools designed to protect your online activity. They encrypt your internet connection and give you greater privacy and control over your data. Using a VPN to bypass geo-blocks is simply another use case, although streaming platforms may take steps to prevent it.

Common problems and how to fix them

There are many little problems you can run into when streaming blackout NFL games with a VPN, but they’re usually not difficult to fix. Here are some of the most common issues and what you can do about them.

Problem	Why it happens	How to fix it
VPN detected	A streaming service recognizes a VPN based on the IP address or due to a DNS or IP leak	Reconnect to a different VPN server, check for IP and DNS leaks, and try another server. A reputable VPN, such as NordVPN, can also be more reliable for streaming
Game is still blacked out	The service may still be detecting your actual location, or the VPN server you’re using may be associated with a blacked-out market	Connect to a different server in the desired location, clear your browser cookies and cache, and reload the stream
GPS location requested	Common with streaming apps, which use your device’s GPS location to verify where you are	Try watching in a web browser instead of the app, and don’t grant the streaming service access to your device’s location
Lag, buffering, or interruptions	A VPN server may be overloaded, too far away, or unable to provide enough bandwidth for a stable stream	Try a less congested or closer server, and use a stable internet connection. If necessary, reconnect to another VPN server
Real location is showing	Your IP or DNS may be leaking, or the browser or device may be sharing location information with the streaming service	Check for IP and DNS leaks, disable location permissions, reconnect to the VPN, and reload the streaming site
Wrong local market	The service may use your IP address, cookies, account information, device settings, or location data to determine your market	Connect to a VPN server in the correct market, clear the site's cookies and cache, check location settings, and reopen the stream
Works on one device but not another	Devices and operating systems handle VPNs, location services, and streaming apps differently	Make sure the VPN is connected on the affected device, check its location permissions, and try the browser version of the service
Works in browser but not in app	Apps can perform additional GPS or device-level location checks that aren't always used in the browser	Use the browser version if possible, or check the app's location permissions and VPN compatibility

NFL blackout map for 2026

NFL broadcast territories aren’t simply based on how close you are to a team’s stadium. Today, broadcast territories are often associated with a DMA (Designated Market Area), a local TV market defined by viewing patterns rather than distance. Which games you can watch depends on your local market, the week’s broadcast assignments, and your TV provider or streaming service.

The 2026 blackout map below gives you a general idea of each NFL team’s territory. Keep in mind that this is not an official NFL broadcast or blackout map. Actual local coverage can vary because broadcast markets and team rights don’t always align with geographic boundaries. You can also use the NFL’s Ways to Watch guide to check a specific matchup and where it is available.

Alternatives to using a VPN

There are legitimate ways to watch blackout NFL games without a VPN, but they’re generally more expensive and may require multiple subscriptions:

• Live TV services. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV carry local CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC affiliates. They’re convenient, but typically cost significantly more than a VPN.
• NFL+. Offers certain live local and nationally televised games on supported mobile devices, plus full-game replays with the NFL+ Premium plan. It does not include live out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
• Official streaming services. Depending on the game, Paramount Plus, FOX One, Peacock, ESPN, Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video may carry it. Amazon Prime Video is also the home of Thursday Night Football.
• Sunday Ticket. For genuinely out-of-market Sunday afternoon games, Sunday Ticket is the official option, but by far the most expensive choice.

Final thoughts

Missing a blackout game is a real frustration for die-hard NFL fans, and trying to cover the whole season across multiple streaming services gets expensive fast.

The most reliable fix is pairing DAZN NFL Game Pass International with a VPN. Connect to a supported country like Canada or Germany, and you get access to games that would otherwise be locked out of your region entirely.

Based on my testing, NordVPN is the best VPN for watching NFL blackout games. It reliably connects to DAZN, keeps streaming smooth without buffering, and its large server network makes switching locations quick whenever a specific game calls for it. For NFL fans trying to catch every game this season, it's a solid piece of the puzzle.

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