- How to avoid blackout restrictions with a VPN
- Our recommended VPN to watch local sports
- What are blackout restrictions
- Best VPNs to watch out of market games: detailed list
- Compare the best VPNs for local sports streaming
- How to watch blackout games with a VPN: detailed guide
- Can I use a VPN to watch local sports?
- Other ways to get around regional blackouts in 2026
- Which sports leagues enforce blackout restrictions on live broadcasts?
- Which streaming sites are affected by sports blackouts
- Final tips: use the right VPN to watch blacked-out games
- FAQ
Sports blackout restrictions are geographical limitations that prevent certain games from being broadcast on live TV or streaming services. These restrictions exist due to complex broadcasting agreements between local and national content providers. The goal is to protect the exclusive rights of the local broadcasters and encourage ticket sales for matches. Popular sports with blackout restrictions include the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.
The only way to legally bypass geo-restrictions and watch blackout games is with a streaming-optimized VPN service. A VPN will mask and change your IP address, making it appear as if you are located in a region where the game is not blocked. This will allow you to access any games without much fuss.
After extensive testing, I concluded that NordVPN is the best VPN to get around sports blackouts. It offers a vast network of servers with fast speeds, essential for lag-free sports streaming. Also, its reliable performance ensures you can connect to any non-blackout region and enjoy the games without interruption. Keep reading the article to learn how to avoid blackout restrictions.
How to avoid blackout restrictions with a VPN
- Subscribe to a streaming VPN. My recommendation is NordVPN, which is reliable at bypassing sports blackouts.
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Select a server in a location where a desired sports match is not blacked out.
- Open the streaming platform and watch the game without any restrictions!
Our recommended VPN to watch local sports
What are blackout restrictions
Blackout restrictions prevent a sporting event from being televised in a specific geographical area, even if it’s available on other channels or streaming services. The purpose of this is to protect exclusive broadcasting rights and sell tickets to the matches. Leagues and teams grant exclusive broadcasting rights to specific channels, like regional sports networks, within a designated market area.
Therefore, if you are trying to see a blackout game, you will encounter the “This game is not available in your area” message. It means that the game is only available through regional sports channels. For example, a fan in Boston trying to watch a Celtics game on a national channel will find it blacked out, as the local rights belong to NBC Sports Boston.
To bypass blackout restrictions, the most effective method is to use a reliable VPN to change your IP address and appear to be in a different location. However, other, less effective methods exist. You can check if the game is being broadcast on another local channel or a different service you subscribe to. Alternatively, you can wait for the game to end and watch the replay, but this is not effective for live viewing and is time-consuming.
NordVPN is the best VPN to get around regional blackouts. Thanks to its global server network, including 2500+ servers in the US, it reliably unblocks a variety of streaming platforms. Furthermore, lightning-fast speeds and stable connectivity ensure that your game streaming experience is lag-free and of the highest quality.
Best VPNs to watch out of market games: detailed list
According to my research, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stand out as the best options for bypassing sports blackouts in 2026. All of them have a global server network with a considerable number of servers in the US and the UK. Furthermore, all three of them maintain fast speeds even on distant servers, essential for high-resolution and lag-free sports streaming.
Top 1. NordVPN: best VPN for sports blackouts
- Rating: 9.3⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Servers in the US: 2500+ servers
- Tested success with: NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, UFC
- Unblocked sport streaming sites: ESPN+, Fubo TV, MLB.tv, NHL.tv, NBA League Pass, Peacock, Sky Sports
NordVPN is the best VPN for sports blackouts. With over 9300 servers in 137, including a massive network of over 2500 servers in 16 US cities, NordVPN offers a vast selection of connection points to bypass regional blackouts.
Its proprietary NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard, ensures lightning-fast speeds and stable connections, which is crucial for high-quality, buffer-free live sports streaming. I used NordVPN to unblock sports streaming platforms, such as ESPN+, MLB.TV, and NHL.tv. The service is compatible with all popular software and can be easily configured on routers and other platforms without a dedicated app.
NordVPN is extra secure with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IP leak protection. Its no-logs policy was independently audited 5 times, so you can be calm that your data is not stored. NordVPN also offers obfuscated servers, which make it easier to bypass blackout restrictions.
A NordVPN subscription starts at $ 3.09/month. The service offers a 3-day free trial for Android devices. Also, every subscription is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out risk-free.
Top 2. Surfshark: budget-friendly VPN to bypass blackout restrictions
- Rating: 9.0⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Servers in the US: 600+ servers
- Tested success with: NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, UFC
- Unblocked sports streaming sites: ESPN+, MLB.TV, NHL.TV, NBA League Pass, Sky Sports, Fubo TV, Peacock
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN to bypass blackout games. With over 4500 servers in 100 countries and 600+ servers in the US, Surfshark provides reliable access to a wide range of sports content.
It is known for its impressive speeds, which are maintained thanks to WireGuard, ensuring a smooth, buffer-free streaming experience even in high definition. I maintained 90%-93% of my original speed even on the distant servers and never experienced issues, such as poor connectivity or lag.
I was able to unblock major sports streaming platforms like ESPN+, MLB.TV, and NHL.tv with Surfshark. This VPN service provider also supports unlimited devices, so you can enjoy your favorite games on your mobile, computer, or even Smart TVs. It is also easily configured on routers.
Surfshark employs all necessary security measures, such as AES-256 encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, a no-logs policy, and a strong kill switch. To prevent detection by streaming services, Surfshark includes security features like Camouflage Mode (obfuscated servers), which makes your VPN traffic look like regular traffic.
A subscription to Surfshark is one of the most affordable options on the market, starting from just $ 1.99/month. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service and see for yourself how well it performs. You can also test the service with a 7-day free trial.
Top 3. Proton VPN: secure VPN to stream local sports without restrictions
- Rating: 8.9⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Servers in the US: 600+ servers
- Tested success with: NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, UFC
- Unblocked sports streaming sites: ESPN+, MLB.TV, NHL.TV, NBA League Pass, Fubo TV, Peacock, Sky Sports
Proton VPN is an excellent choice to watch blackout games and avoid blackout restrictions, allowing you to watch out-of-market games from anywhere. With a large server network (20300 servers in 148 countries), especially within the US, Proton VPN ensures you can always find a server to bypass geo-restrictions.
The VPN’s performance is stellar, retaining most of the original internet speed thanks to the WireGuard protocol and their proprietary VPN Accelerator, which boosts speeds by up to 80%. During my tests, the speed retention was around 80%-85% and I never experienced lag while streaming sports-related content.
Proton VPN can unblock a wide range of streaming platforms, including ESPN+, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and NHL.tv. By connecting to a server in a different city or state, I easily bypassed regional blackouts. You can also use a VPN while traveling to access those streaming services in foreign countries. Plus, Proton VPN works on a variety of devices, including PCs, mobile devices, and smart TVs.
Proton VPN takes its users’ security very seriously. It uses strong AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, meaning your online activity is never recorded. Features like the kill switch and DNS leak protection ensure your real IP address remains hidden, even if the connection drops. For an extra layer of privacy, their Secure Core servers route your traffic through multiple countries.
Proton VPN Plus subscription starts at $ 2.99/month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free to ensure it works perfectly. In addition, it has a free version, but it is slightly limited, and I cannot guarantee that it will work with bypassing blackouts.
Compare the best VPNs for local sports streaming
| VPN to watch blackout games | Rating | Bypasses blackout restrictions? | Unblocked sports streaming sites | Servers | Servers in the US | Price | Money-back guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | 9.3⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ✅ Yes | ESPN+, MLB.tv, NHL.tv, Sky Sports, and others | 9300 servers in 137 | 2500+ servers | $ 3.09/month | ✅ Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 2. Surfshark | 9.0⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ✅ Yes | ESPN+, NFL.tv, MLB.tv, Sky Sports, and others | 4500 servers in 100 | 600+ servers | $ 1.99/month | ✅ Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 3. Proton VPN | 8.9⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ✅ Yes | ESPN+, NFL.tv, Fubo TV, and others | 20300 servers in 148 | 3500+ servers | $ 2.99/month | ✅ Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee |
How to watch blackout games with a VPN: detailed guide
A VPN is the most effective way to bypass regional restrictions and watch blackout games. It works by assigning you a new IP address, which you can get by selecting a server in a location where your desired match is available. After that, the streaming services will treat you as if you are from that area and grant you access to watch blackout games. Here is a quick guide on how to achieve this.
Step 1. Choose a VPN that works with sports streaming
Not every VPN is capable of bypassing blackout restrictions, so picking a trustworthy VPN is an essential step in this guide. Choose the one that is known for unblocking streaming services, such as ESPN+, MLB.TV, NFL+, or NHL.TV. It should also have a big server fleet with great server selection in the US and fast speeds to maintain an excellent streaming performance.
Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN to get around regional blackouts, since it ticks all the requirements. Alternatively, you can choose Surfshark or Proton VPN as they work as well, but NordVPN consistently delivers the best performance.
Step 2. Download and install the VPN app on your device
A VPN installation process can differ between devices. For instance, on a computer, you first choose the subscription and create an account on the provider’s website. After purchasing, you download and install the application by following the on-screen instructions. After you log in, you will be able to use VPN.
On a mobile device, the process is simpler. You download the app directly from the Google Play Store or App Store. You can create an account and purchase your subscription within the app to get started.
For a temporary workaround to save on subscriptions, use a money-back guarantee. For example, you can subscribe to NordVPN and use its 30-day money-back guarantee to get a refund before the guarantee period ends. Then, repeat the process with another service provider, such as Surfshark.
Step 3. Connect to a server outside the blackout region
To watch a blackout game, you need to connect to a server in a region where the game is available. For example, if you want to watch Chicago Bulls (NBA) games in Chicago, you will have to connect to a server in California or Washington. To catch up with the New Jersey Devils (NHL), connect to states like Pennsylvania or Florida.
Step 4. Open your streaming service and start watching
Head to the streaming service and watch the matches without blackout restrictions. If the game is still unavailable, try reconnecting to the same state or choose another one. Some troubleshooting tips also include clearing your cookies and cache, as they store location-based information, which can interfere with your attempts at unblocking streaming sites.
Can I use a VPN to watch local sports?
Yes, you can use a VPN to watch local sports and avoid blackout restrictions. By connecting to a server in a region where the game isn’t blacked out, the VPN enables you to access the stream. So if you’re traveling, connect to a VPN to access your favorite sports channels securely on any network.
However, keep in mind that using a VPN may violate the terms and conditions of your streaming service. While consequences are typically limited to an IP address ban, which can often be bypassed by switching servers, there’s still a small chance your account could be temporarily suspended, requiring you to create a new one. That said, top-tier VPNs offer advanced tools to help avoid detection. For instance, NordVPN provides obfuscated servers, which disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic to bypass censorship and restrictions effectively.
Other ways to get around regional blackouts in 2026
Using a VPN is not the only way to get around regional blackouts in 2026. However, some of the workarounds are rather pricey or require you to get multiple subscriptions.
One of the most straightforward methods is to subscribe to a local cable or satellite TV service. Since blackout rules are designed to protect regional broadcasters, these services are typically granted the rights to show all local games. This ensures you can watch your favorite team without any geo-restrictions, though it comes with the cost and commitment of a traditional TV package.
Another option is to simply attend the game in person. If that’s not an option, consider heading to a local sports bar or restaurant that has a TV package with all the necessary regional channels. This offers a social experience and guarantees you can watch the game live. Finally, if you don’t mind waiting and getting spoiled with the results, delayed viewing is always an alternative. Many streaming services and league apps allow you to watch a full replay of the game a few hours after it concludes, bypassing all live blackout restrictions.
Which sports leagues enforce blackout restrictions on live broadcasts?
Many major sports leagues in the US and beyond enforce blackout restrictions. These include the National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL), and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Blackouts protect local broadcasting rights and encourage stadium attendance. Since rules vary significantly by league, I will go through each of them specifically.
NFL blackout rules
For US-based fans, games are primarily available on broadcast TV (CBS, FOX, NBC) and nationally televised on ESPN, ABC, and Prime Video. Services like NFL+ give mobile users access to live local and primetime games. Out-of-market games, however, are typically only available through a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. The NFL also prioritizes local games, so out-of-market games are usually the ones that fall under blackout restrictions.
If you’re traveling or want to watch a game that’s not available in your area due to these regional broadcast agreements, a VPN is your best option. By connecting to a server in a different region, you can bypass the geographic restrictions and access your NFL Sunday Ticket or other streaming service to watch the game you want. For international viewers, a VPN can also grant access to services like NFL Game Pass International.
MLB blackout rules
MLB blackout rules are among the most restrictive in sports and are tied to local broadcasting rights. This means that if you’re in the “home territory” of a team, you cannot watch their games on out-of-market services like MLB.TV, even with a paid subscription. Some blackouts are extended even to the neighboring states or Canada.
To bypass an MLB blackout, you would need to connect to a VPN server in a location outside of the team’s designated home territory. For example, if you live in New York but want to watch a Yankees game on MLB.TV, you could connect to a VPN server in California.
NHL blackout rules
NHL blackout rules are similar to those of other major sports leagues. They are a result of exclusive broadcasting rights that give regional sports networks the authority to broadcast games in specific geographic areas. This means that if a game is being shown on your local network, it will be blacked out on out-of-market services like ESPN+ and NHL Center Ice. For example, a fan in Boston trying to watch a Bruins game on ESPN+ will find it blacked out, as the local rights belong to NESN.
To bypass NHL blackout restrictions, you can employ a VPN. By using it, you can change your virtual location and appear as if you’re in a different state or country where the game isn’t blacked out. For instance, a Bruins fan could connect to a VPN server in California to watch their team on ESPN+.
NBA blackout rules
NBA (National Basketball Association) games are available through NBA League Pass. However, blackout rules also apply to this streaming service, as NBA blackouts are based on regional broadcasting rights, not ticket sales. NBA League Pass is a great platform to catch up with out-of-market games, but it blacks out games for local teams in your area. For example, if you live in Los Angeles, you cannot watch Lakers or Clippers games on League Pass because regional sports networks carry them. Similarly, nationally televised games on ESPN, ABC, TNT, or NBA TV are also blacked out on League Pass.
To bypass an NBA blackout, simply connect to a VPN server in a state or country where the game is not blacked out. For example, if the Lakers game is blacked out in LA, connect to a server in a different state to access the live broadcast on your League Pass subscription. This secure method provides a legal and reliable way to watch your favorite team.
UFC blackout rules
UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) content is available to stream on UFC.tv. Unfortunately, UFC also experiences blackouts. They are not about unsold tickets but are a result of exclusive broadcasting rights agreements. In the US, ESPN and ESPN+ hold the primary streaming rights, so if a fight is televised on one of their channels or services, it will often be unavailable on other platforms, including UFC Fight Pass.
It is easy to bypass UFC blackout rules with a VPN. If you don’t have an ESPN subscription and you are not interested in getting one, you can use a VPN to watch the blacked-out game through the streaming service of your choice (if it has the game). Alternatively, you can use a VPN to watch matches through ESPN in the US if the platform is not accessible in your country.
Which streaming sites are affected by sports blackouts
Here’s a list of streaming sites that are affected by the sports blackouts:
- NFL+: NFL+ is affected by blackouts, but the rules are unique. NFL+ only shows live local and primetime games. Out-of-market games are not available live, but you can stream them on demand after they conclude. The live games are those being broadcast on your local TV market, not all games.
- MLB.TV: On MLB.TV, all regular-season games for your local team are blacked out, as the exclusive rights belong to a regional sports network. This applies even if the team is playing an away game. Nationally televised games on channels like ESPN or FOX Sports are also blacked out on MLB.TV.
- NBA League Pass: Similar to MLB, NBA League Pass blacks out all live games for the teams in your local market. Additionally, games that are nationally televised on ABC, ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV are also blacked out on League Pass in the US and Canada.
- NHL.TV: NHL.TV blackout rules give regional sports networks priority. If an NHL game is being broadcast in your area, it will be blacked out on NHL.TV and ESPN+. However, international versions of the service, like NHL.TV in Europe typically has no blackout restrictions.
- ESPN+: ESPN+ is affected by blackouts for a variety of sports, including MLB, NHL, and college sports. For example, if a local NHL game is being broadcast on an RSN, it will be blacked out on ESPN+. However, the service does offer a number of exclusive, non-blacked-out games and events, particularly for college sports.
- Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo TV: These live TV streaming services are often subject to the same blackout rules as traditional cable providers. While they offer access to regional sports networks and national channels, you will still encounter blackouts for local games if the local networks have exclusive rights.
Final tips: use the right VPN to watch blacked-out games
Blackout games can be quite an issue for a sports-loving fan. Fortunately, there is a way to watch every match without multiple subscriptions or buying game tickets. A VPN is the easiest and most effective way to bypass blacked-out game restrictions. By connecting to a server in the location where the game is available, you will be able to stream it on a preferred streaming service.
Make sure to get a VPN with high-speed servers, multiple locations in the US, and proven unblocking capabilities for popular streaming services like ESPN+, MLB.TV, and NBA League Pass. Also, always connect to a server outside your blackout area, clear your browser cache, and log into your streaming account to ensure the blackout is bypassed. According to my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN to watch blacked-out games, as it fits all the criteria.
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FAQ
An out-of-market game means that the broadcast is not available in your local television area. This happens because regional broadcasters have exclusive rights to show games featuring local teams. If you live outside a team’s broadcast area, the game is considered to be out of market.
“Unavailable due to regional restrictions” means that the game is blocked in your geographic location (country, or just a state if you are in the US). This happens because content providers, like streaming services or sports broadcasters, have different licensing agreements for various countries and regions. Your IP address identifies your location, and if it’s not in the licensed area, access will be denied.
The best VPN locations for streaming sports are those where the majority of games are streamed without blackouts. Despite the fact that they are also prone to blackouts, the UK and the US are prime choices for their wide range of sports content. For specific leagues, international locations such as Germany and the Netherlands can also be effective at bypassing national blackouts.
Yes, you can watch blackout games with a VPN. Just pick a trustworthy VPN service provider with a bunch of servers, download it on your streaming device, and connect to the location where your desired match is not blacked out. After that, head to the streaming platform and enjoy the game.
The “3 PM blackout rule” prevents football games broadcast on UK television between 14:45 and 17:15 on Saturdays. It was introduced in the 1960s with the goal for the fans to attend lower-league matches. It affects all competitions, including the Premier League, EFL, and others. The only way to bypass the 3 PM blackout rule is with a reliable VPN.
You can get around blackout restrictions with a VPN. It is the most effective way, as a VPN changes your IP address and makes you appear as if you are from a different location. By choosing a server in a region where games are available, you will be able to get around blackout restrictions.
NordVPN is the best VPN for sports blackouts. Thanks to its extensive server network in the US and worldwide, you will always find a location to bypass regional restrictions. Plus, it maintains lightning-fast speeds and lag-free streaming performance so that you can enjoy every moment of your favorite games.
