Last updated Nov 20, 2024 at 6am ET
Many sports streaming platforms, such as ESPN, NBC Sports, Sky Sports, and NBA League Pass, are subject to regional restrictions based on local or national laws. This is because certain broadcasters hold exclusive streaming rights for specific content, making it inaccessible on other platforms and to their subscribers. Fortunately, a VPN for sports allows you to bypass local and international broadcast restrictions, granting access to sports streams available only in certain countries. It tricks sports streaming websites into thinking you’re located elsewhere, removing geographical blocks.
I tested 15 VPN services with the largest sports streaming platforms, and NordVPN, Surfshark, and PrivateVPN stood out as the top 3 VPNs for streaming sports in 2024. They offer the fastest speeds for live streaming and easily bypass blackouts and geo-restrictions on streaming sites like Peacock TV, Sling TV, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and others.
Top 5 best VPNs for streaming sports online
- Overall best VPN for streaming sports in 20249.7
- Cheapest VPN to watch sports on multiple devices9.5
- Fastest VPN for sports streaming websites abroad9.0
- Secure VPN to watch out of market sports from anywhere8.7
- Longest free trial VPN for buffer-free sports streaming8.6
Since 2018, VPNpro has delivered unbiased, expert-backed insights through in-house research and thorough VPN testing. Our team ensures every review is fact-checked and reliable. Learn how we maintain these high standards in our testing methods.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch out-of-market sports?
Using a VPN for sports is completely legal in the US and most countries. A reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to bypass blackout restrictions by masking your IP address, making it appear that you’re accessing content from a different state or country. With a VPN, you can unlock an unlimited number of sports events, giving you access to watch your favorite teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and more, without the frustration of regional restrictions.
How to use a VPN to watch sports?
- Subscribe to a VPN that can reliably unblock sports streams. I recommend NordVPN, which is currently 74% OFF!
- Download and install the VPN app on your preferred streaming device.
- Connect to a server in a country where the sports event is available.
- Access your preferred sports streaming service, such as ESPN or Sky Sports.
- Load up your chosen stream and enjoy sports events without restrictions!
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Blackout restrictions stop streaming services from broadcasting sports games live in specific areas. Local TV networks pay for exclusive rights to show the games in their area. That means you often can’t simply tune in and watch matches on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or Max. These and many other streaming services use blackout restrictions and block international viewers. Therefore, it means that without a stadium ticket or a VPN, you could be blocked from watching due to:
- Local Blackouts: These tend to affect college sports and NBA or NHL games, restricting viewers within a 50 to 150-mile radius around the team’s home stadium.
- National Blackouts: Some games are restricted on a bigger scale. MLB blackouts usually have the largest exclusion zone, covering one or more states.
I’ve created a summary of blackout restrictions for each sport and streaming service based on my own experience testing the best VPNs to watch sports:
| Sports | Sports streaming sites | Blackout applies |
| NFL | YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Max | ✅Yes, particularly games broadcast by local stations. Some national games, too. |
| NBA | NBA League Pass, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV | ✅Yes, typically, local games on regional sports networks and national broadcasts. |
| MLB | MLB.TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream | ✅Yes, for regional games in local markets. National games are unlikely to be shown live in blackout areas. |
| NHL | YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Max, DirecTV Stream | ✅Yes, local games are usually unavailable on sports streaming services. National games may also be blacked out. |
| Soccer | ESPN+, Peacock (for specific leagues) | ✅Yes, in limited cases – usually with contracts for big tournaments like the Premier League. |
| College Sports | ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV | ✅Yes, especially for College Football season and other high-profile events. |
| Golf | ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV | ❌Not usually. Golf events are not often restricted. |
| Tennis | ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV | ❌Rarely. Some events may have local restrictions, particularly for finals in specific regions. |
Since a VPN makes it look like you’re located in another region, you can watch any sports streams that are usually inaccessible due to location-based restrictions. However, using a VPN to access illegal content is still illegal, and violating a platform’s terms of service may also be against the law. Always check both local regulations and the platforms’ terms of service to ensure compliance when using a VPN for sports streaming.
Get NordVPN for sports streaming
Best VPNs for sports streaming: a detailed list
The best VPNs for sport unblock all mainstream sports sites like ESPN, Hulu + Live Sport, and Sling TV. They also have IP and DNS leak protection to ensure your true location doesn’t leak. My tests also focused on VPNs with US servers – a must – and fast speeds, with robust security and privacy. Plus, selected VPNs protect your data with advanced encryption so you can watch sports without interruption.
For 2024, the top five VPNs for streaming sports are NordVPN, Surfshark, PrivateVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.
1. NordVPN - overall best VPN for streaming sports in 2024
111
6400
24/7 live chat, Email
- Industry-leading speeds
- 1970+ servers for unblocking US sports
- Unblocks free sports streams from the UK and AU
- Excellent security & privacy features
NordVPN is currently the best VPN for streaming sports in 2024. It provides unmatched unblocking capabilities and the fastest speeds for watching sports on any local or international streaming platform. During my tests, I was able to bypass NBA blackouts as this year’s season kicked off on October 22. With YouTube TV unblocked via NordVPN, I also accessed NHL season games that are usually blocked to me as a UK resident. All streams loaded without buffering in perfect HD/4K resolution thanks to NordVPN’s blistering speeds, while the kill switch and leak protection ensured I couldn’t be detected and blocked.
Unblocking sport streaming sites: excellent ★★★★★ (5/5)
NordVPN excels at unblocking sports streaming platforms thanks to its flawless kill switch and zero IP or DNS leaks. Unblocking sports sites is simple because of these features and the abundance of UK and US servers. Additionally, I was able to stream sports on Sling TV, Peacock, and Hulu in the US, as well as YouTube TV. What’s more, with NordVPN, you can easily access the best free sports streaming sites, such as ITVX and BBC iPlayer, thanks to the huge fleet of 440+ UK VPN servers.
Server fleet: huge ★★★★★ (5/5)
NordVPN boasts an impressive network of 6400+ servers in 111, including key sports streaming locations like the US, UK, Japan, and the Netherlands. This extensive server coverage makes NordVPN the best VPN for streaming sports on US-based services such as ESPN+, Sling TV, FuboTV, and MLB TV. During testing, I enjoyed uninterrupted streaming of the NBA Regular Season on free streaming service 9Now, with strong connectivity and no buffering.
Sport streaming speed: excellent ★★★★★ (5/5)
NordVPN is the fastest VPN in the industry for streaming sports online, largely down to NordLynx – NordVPN’s proprietary VPN protocol. With this protocol enabled, I saw speeds up to 96% of my original connection speed (376Mbps). Your speed can be impacted no matter which VPN you use, so this is an excellent result, and it’s the best I’ve seen while testing other sports VPNs.
Security and privacy: highest ★★★★★ (5/5)
Based in privacy-friendly Panama, NordVPN has the best security features in the industry, with options like dedicated IPs, double VPN, split tunneling, and a free SOCKS5 proxy. This is all backed by a no-logs policy that a big-four auditing firm has audited for several years.
Price: best value for money ★★★★★ (5/5)
NordVPN isn’t the cheapest sports VPN you’ll find – but with so much functionality and the best speeds available, it offers great value for money. At $2.99/month, it’s affordable and comes with a 7-day free trial on Android, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee for all platforms.
2. Surfshark - most affordable VPN for live sports streaming
100
3200
24/7 live chat, FAQ
- Stream sports on unlimited devices
- Speeds almost comparable to NordVPN
- Good security and privacy, particularly in restrictive countries
- Slower speeds on distant servers
Surfshark is the best VPN for sports streaming due to its high-speed connections, extensive server network, and support for unlimited devices. Additionally, Surfshark’s strong security features protect your data, making it a reliable choice for accessing global sports broadcasts and enjoying your favorite games from anywhere.
Unblocking sport streaming sites: excellent ★★★★★ (5/5)
Surfshark successfully unblocks platforms like Hulu, YouTube TV, Fubo, and Peacock, making it ideal for accessing sports content. Using Surfshark, I was able to unblock and watch the NHL on Hulu after connecting to a US VPN server from my location in the UK.
Server fleet: huge ★★★★★ (5/5)
With 3200+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark has fewer servers than NordVPN but offers a broader choice of locations, making it simple to find the one you need. Surfshark has a broad server fleet, with X US servers, Y servers in the UK, and Z in Australia – the most popular locations for paid and free sports streams. However, the fleet includes numerous European locations where you can change your IP address.
Sport streaming speed: excellent ★★★★★ (5/5)
Surfshark’s speeds are very powerful, and it routinely comes in just below NordVPN during my speed benchmarking. I retained around 92% of my download speeds when I used Surfshark VPN to unblock and stream US sports on Fubo. However, speeds on distant servers tend to be lower, unlike NordVPN, which remained consistent across its whole fleet.
Security and privacy: solid ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Surfshark has NoBorders Mode in its arsenal, which is exceptional at avoiding detection for VPN traffic – something that can be crucial to bypass anti-VPN measures that some sports streaming sites use. This makes it an excellent choice for people in restrictive countries with strict internet blocks.
Price: one of the cheapest VPNs for streaming sports ★★★★★ (5/5)
Not only can Surfshark be used on unlimited devices under one account – the only sports VPN boasting that claim – but you can get Surfshark for just $1.99/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial. That makes it one of the cheapest VPN providers available for streaming sports, especially if you want your buddies to join the action.
3. PrivateVPN - fast sports streaming VPN with free dedicated IPs
63
200
24/7 live chat
- Highly affordable sports VPN
- Dedicated IPs keep streaming speeds high
- Robust security includes WireGuard
- Smaller server fleet than most
PrivateVPN ranks among the best sports VPNs for its exceptional ability to unblock popular sports streaming platforms like Peacock and Hulu, coupled with its affordable pricing. You can pick up PrivateVPN for just $2.00/month with a 7-day VPN free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Server fleet: modest ★★★★☆ (4/5)
While PrivateVPN’s server network is smaller compared to giants like NordVPN and Surfshark, with 200+ servers in 63 countries, it remains a solid choice. Users will easily find servers in sports streaming hotspots like the UK, US, and Australia. However, fewer servers can sometimes lead to slower connections, especially during peak times. I verified that PrivateVPN can unblock platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Peacock since these are some of the biggest platforms for the NBA. They’ll also let you watch Premier League soccer, NFL, MLB, and numerous other sports. At no point did I encounter any geo-blocks, plus I spotted dedicated IP servers that can give you a streaming boost by helping you dodge saturated connections that can cause lag.
Sport streaming speed: good on nearby servers ★★★★☆ (4/5)
PrivateVPN used to be limited to the OpenVPN protocol, leading to slower speeds than top VPNs NordVPN and Surfshark. But the company’s recent release of WireGuard has given me much better performance in my updated tests. On nearby servers, I retained up to 90% of my speeds (approximately 400 Mbps), but these speeds rapidly dropped off when I tried distance servers in Australia and Japan.
Security and privacy: continues to improve ★★★★☆ (4/5)
PrivateVPN covers all the security must-haves when using a VPN to stream sportsin my book, including 256-bit encryption, reliable VPN protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard, and a kill switch that I tested and verified keeps your IP safe. WireGuard is a recent addition and shows the company’s dedication to improving security, but PrivateVPN has a ways to go if it’s going to stand up there with NordVPN.
Price: highly affordable ★★★★★ (5/5)
In terms of price, PrivateVPN sets an impressively low bar, coming in at a super-cheap $2.00/month – cheaper than NordVPN and Surfshark, and with the usual 30-day money-back guarantee. On a budget? I think this could be a solid sports streaming VPN for you. Otherwise, the two players mentioned above offer much greater value for money.
4. ExpressVPN - secure VPN to watch football or any other sports from anywhere
105
3000
24/7 live chat, email
- Simple, user-friendly UI
- 10-gigabit server network delivers HD sports streams
- Retained up to 94% of my speeds in tests
- Most expensive premium VPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for sport streaming on the market but is also pricey. Its server count isn’t as high as NordVPN, but this provider recently updated its server fleet to 10-gigabyte servers that deliver amazing performance when streaming sports in HD and 4K. Subscriptions start at $4.99/month, including a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day trial on iOS and Android.
Server fleet: respectable ★★★★☆ (4/5)
ExpressVPN is a solid choice for any sports streaming fans; despite years in the game, its servers can still reliably unblock the majority of streaming sites, including ESPN+, HBO Max, and YouTube TV – home to some of the best on-demand and live tournaments that happen in the States. But it’s not perfect. Sometimes, I’ve been blocked randomly on a particular VPN server, and I’ve seen some countries like China, with strict internet censorship, encounter trouble connecting.
ExpressVPN gives you access to a huge 105 countries to find connections, with a strong fleet of 3000+ servers ready to unblock international sporting events like this year’s Premier League season. I’ve never experienced lag or disconnects while watching footy with ExpressVPN on YouTube TV.
Sport streaming speed: excellent ★★★★★ (5/5)
ExpressVPN boasts powerful connection speeds that can support HD or 4K live and on-demand sports streaming. This is thanks to rapid Lightway protocol connections and a recently-upgraded fleet of next-gen, 10-gigabit servers. In tests, I saw similar performance to NordVPN, though all of that comes at a cost – ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive sports VPN subscriptions around.
Security and privacy: solid ★★★★★ (5/5)
ExpressVPN delivers on all the areas that matter, with a kill switch, IP and DNS leak protection, powerful 256-bit encryption, and an audited no-logs policy that doesn’t track your data or usage. I also noted support for Tor, split tunneling, and obfuscation – with the latter being enabled by default on every single server.
Price: quite expensive ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN only gives you access to 8 simultaneous connections while Surfshark VPN is unlimited – still, it’s an impressive number., With abut when you factor in the steep price tag of $1.99/month, it’s also still an affordable VPN when you consider ExpressVPN’s impressive feature setit feels like I’m being shortchanged a little. That said, it usually works exceptionally well on any platform or OS. With such a long track record in the industry, ExpressVPN has developed one of the most user-friendly VPN apps available on the market.
5. CyberGhost VPN - strong VPN to watch local sports
100
11700
24/7 live chat
- Dedicated streaming servers for sports
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Hundreds of UK and US servers
- Not quite as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark
CyberGhost VPN is the best VPN for streaming sports because of its excellent unblocking potential and solid speeds that allowed to stream sports in HD and 4K. With this service, you get the longest VPN money-back guarantee in the industry, making it perfect for following the Premier League free on BBC iPlayer or ITV X.
Server fleet: massive ★★★★★ (5/5)
CyberGhost impressed me with its server fleet; it’s the second-largest fleet in the industry, with 11700+ servers in 100 countries, second only to Private Internet Access – another excellent VPN for sports streaming. The dedicated servers are clearly listed in the server browser, and I even noted some named after specific streaming servers – for example, BBC iPlayer is so good for free sports streams, that they named a server after it. While I’m based in the UK, streams I accessed while connected to CyberGhost played flawlessly.
I could also unblock the likes of Fubo and ESPN+ where you can catch some of the biggest sports events, such as the Super Bowl. The solid HD and 4K streaming performance I saw during the Rugby World Cup this year was largely thanks to this VPN’s dedicated streaming servers, which optimize your streams and avoid you sharing a slow connection with somebody who’s, for example, torrenting.
Sport streaming speed: good ★★★★☆ (4/5)
CyberGhost has sports streaming speeds, retaining up to 91% of my speeds during testing. I tried unblocking UFC live streams on Hulu and had no trouble streaming in 4K without any lag or buffering issues. CyberGhost’s dedicated streaming servers help keep your connection stable and ensure that your server is optimized for HD streams.
Security and privacy: highest ★★★★★ (5/5)
CyberGhost supports secure VPN protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, and the highly-secure WireGuard that is excellent for ensuring high streaming speeds. It also includes a kill switch, IP and DNS leak protection, and solid encryption. It’s based in a privacy-friendly country – Romania – too, which ensures your data can’t be shared with other governments.
Price: low prices, long guarantee ★★★★★ (5/5)
CyberGhost is a highly affordable starting from $2.03/month., You get access to CyberGhost’s dedicated sports servers while enjoying the longest VPN money-back guarantee, at 45 days. Perfect for a long trip abroad if you don’t want to get blocked by your favorite sports channels.
Comparison of the best VPNs for sports streaming
| VPN for streaming sports | Rating | Bypasses blackouts | Unblocks streaming platforms | Speed retention | Price | Free trial |
| NordVPN | 9.8⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Peacock, ESPN+, fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DAZN, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV X, 9Now, Netflix | 96% | $2.99/month | ✅Yes, 7 days free trial on Android |
| Surfshark VPN | 9.5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Peacock, ESPN+, fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DAZN, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV X, 9Now, Netflix | 92% | $1.99/month | ✅Yes, 7 days free trial on iOS and Android |
| PrivateVPN | 8.7⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Peacock, ESPN+, fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DAZN, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV X, 9Now, Netflix | 90% | $2.00/month | ✅Yes, 7 days free trial |
| ExpressVPN | 8.4⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Peacock, ESPN+, fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DAZN, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV X, 9Now, Netflix | 94% | $4.99/month | ✅Yes, 7 days free trial on iOS and Android |
| CyberGhost | 8.9⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Peacock, ESPN+, fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DAZN, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV X, 9Now, Netflix | 91% | $2.03/month | ✅Yes, 7 days free trial on iOS, 3 days Android, 24 hours desktop |
How did I test and select the best VPNs for watching sports?
Not all streaming VPNs are good for watching sports, which is why I tested 15+ VPN apps to make sure they were suitable to be drafted into the team. In particular, I paid attention to:
- How well they could unblock sports streaming sites: I made sure that every VPN I chose could unblock the best sports sites, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and others.
- Servers: I checked that my recommended VPNs had a large server fleet offering servers in the US, UK, Australia, and other European sports hotspots. NordVPN dominated the competition, retaining up to 96% of my download speeds at nearly 400Mbps on a US server. As I’m based in the UK, this showed that NordVPN could sustain the high speeds needed for HD streaming over distance.
- Security and privacy: It’s no good using a VPN to stream sports if it compromises your online security, which is why I checked that each VPN doesn’t leak your IP address, has a functional kill switch, and has a no-log policy as a minimum.
- Compatibility: Since most VPNs offer numerous simultaneous connections, I checked that each VPN works across major platforms, including iOS and Android, Windows, and macOS.
- Price: I investigated the various pricing plans offered by each VPN and checked if there was a free trial or money-back guarantee that would let you use the service to stream sports for free.
After testing 15+ VPNs, NordVPN exceeded my expectations in all areas as the best VPN for streaming sports. Its speeds barely impact your connection, and you’ll have access to almost 2,000 US servers and over 440 in the UK.
NordVPN has almost 2,500 US and UK VPN servers optimized to stream the NFL, Champions League, and NBA in HD and 4K. Bypass blackouts and dodge other geo-restrictions with the fastest sports streaming VPN around.
How do I change my VPN location to watch sports: detailed guide
If you want to watch sports without local team blackouts and geo-restrictions holding you up, you’ll need to use a reliable VPN to change your location. It only takes a few minutes to get your VPN up and running and unblock the sports stream you want. Here are the steps I used – you can follow them directly to start right away:
- Choose a trusted VPN with great unblocking capabilities. I strongly recommend you choose NordVPN because it will give you the best odds of finding high-speed streaming connections in crucial locations like the UK and US – plus NordVPN is currently 74% OFF.
- Install the VPN client on your desktop or mobile preferred streaming device. This can take a little longer if you install your VPN on a router, as you’ll need to access your router’s firmware via your browser to set up your VPN software.
- Log into your VPN account and connect to a server where your sport is currently available in the country where your sports streaming service is located, such as the US for Peacock, Fubo, and Sling TV, or the UK for BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
- Choose your preferred streaming service and enjoy secure, blazing-fast HD sports streaming! Now, you’ve unblocked your favorite sports streams and can keep watching.
Get 74% OFF the best Sports VPN, NordVPN
Can I use a free VPN for live sports streaming?
While you can technically use a free VPN for live sports streaming, however, it’s not advised. Free VPNs usually have bandwidth restrictions and don’t allow multiple connections. They are often also missing critical features like data encryption. If your data runs out, your stream stops. If your speed is poor, it might not start in the first place, or you’ll potentially face lag and poor picture quality – not what you want during penalties at the 90-minute mark.
Worse still, while not applying to every free VPN, some free services set a poor standard by saying they won’t log data when they do or may sell your data to third parties. But NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited for several years, as have the policies for other big players I’ve chosen, like Surfshark and ExpressVPN.
All the VPNs I’ve recommended also have the speeds you need to stream in HD or 4K, and they all offer unlimited data, meaning you don’t have to close your stream until the game’s over. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and free trial, you can even try the service out risk free. Get NordVPN’s 7-day Android trial and 30-day guarantee for all devices to start streaming sports!
Get NordVPN for uninterrupted sports streaming >
Best sports streaming sites in 2024
The best site for streaming sports depends on your location and the sport you want to watch. For example, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are solid platforms for all sports. However, they’re only available in the US. To watch the Premier League and Champions League, plus NHL, NBA, and NFL, unblock the best sports streaming sites with a VPN.
| Streaming site | Regional availability | Best for | Price | Free trial |
| BBC iPlayer | United Kingdom | Football (Premier League, Euros, FA Cup); tennis (Wimbledon), rugby (Rugby World Cup, Six Nations), and more | Free | ❌ No |
| ITV X | United Kingdom | Football (Premier League, Euros, FA Cup, Series A);; tennis (Wimbledon), rugby (Rugby World Cup, Heineken Champions Cup) | Free | ❌ No |
| Fubo | United States | NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, golf, MMA, boxing, MLS, and college sports | $79.99/month | ✅ Yes, 30 days |
| HBO / HBO Max | United States / Europe | MLB, NBA, NHL, NBA, NCAA, cycling, US soccer, and sports docuseries | $9.99–$20.99/month | ❌ No |
| Paramount Plus | United States, UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Austria | PGA Tour, NFL, Champions League, Europa League, boxing, NCCA basketball, and more | $7.99/month | ✅ Yes, 7 days |
| Peacock | United States | NBC-aired NFL games, Premier League soccer, Big Ten basketball, and WWE | $7.99/month | ❌ No |
| Sling TV | United States | NFL, MLB, NHL, ESPN sports network channels, and college basketball | $40.00-$60.00 | ❌ No |
| YouTube TV | United States | Most televised sports events, including soccer, NHL, MLB, and NBA, out-of-market NFL games | ❌ No |
Right now, the cheapest way to stream sports is with Paramount Plus, coming in at just $7.99/month. It won’t include all the bells and whistles in the Paramount Plus SHOWTIME plan, but you do get a 7-day free trial that extends to the SHOWTIME plan too, so you can check out everything the service has to offer. Customers of Sky TV in the extended regions beyond the US, listed in the table, also have access.
But remember, you’ll need NordVPN to access this website if you’re outside the US, or outside the wider coverage area but don’t have Sky TV.
Unblock free and low-cost sports streams with NordVPN
2024 sports event calendar
Looking for something new to watch? Below, I’ve summarized some of the biggest 2024 sports events happening throughout the year with their start and end dates.
| Event | Starts | Finishes |
| Cycling World Championships | October 16, 2024 | October 20, 2024 |
| Formula One World Championship | March 2, 2024 | December 8, 2024 |
| NFL Regular Season | Thursday, September 5, 2024 | Sunday, February 9, 2025 |
| FA Cup | Thursday, August 3, 2024 | Sunday, May 17, 2025 |
| NHL Regular Season | Thursday, October 8, 2024 | April 17, 2025 |
| Premier League | Friday, August 16, 2024 | Sunday, May 25, 2025 |
| Champions League | Tuesday, July 9 , 2024 | Saturday, May 31, 2025 |
| Gallagher Premiership Rugby | Friday, September 20-22, 2024 | Saturday, June 14, 2025 |
Conclusion
If you want to unblock sports streams in other countries, or simply avoid losing access to your own accounts when on vacation, get a VPN. It’ll help you step past streaming platform’s defenses and score a goal for streamers everywhere, giving you full access to international tournaments in the US, UK, and other countries worldwide.
Currently, the best VPN for streaming sports online is NordVPN, with speeds that can support HD and 4K streams without lag. NordVPN’s 6400+ servers ensure you can unblock worldwide sporting events all year round. Crucially, you get unlimited data so that you can keep following the major sports events of the year without getting cut off.
You may also like to read:
Best VPN for gambling and sports betting
Learn how to get around ESPN blackout
Learn how to get NBA League Pass cheaper
How to watch the Australian Open
How to watch Sportsnet in the USA
Watch TSN in the USA
FAQ
Which VPN protocol is best for live streaming?
Wireguard is the fastest and best VPN protocol in the industry today, though big players like NordVPN have developed speedy, proprietary VPN protocols – in this case, NordLynx – based on WireGuard. NordLynx benefits from the speeds of WireGuard, but offers enhanced privacy. IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN are close seconds, with the latter offering a lot more flexibility around configuration and for installation on different devices.
Can you use NordVPN to watch sports?
Yes, you can use NordVPN to watch sports by connecting to a VPN server in the country where your stream is blocked. For example, if you can’t access YouTube TV because you’re on vacation, just connect to a US VPN server. You’ll instantly be unblocked and ready to stream sports with your VPN.
Can I watch local sports with a VPN?
Yes, you can watch any sports from any region if you use a VPN to change your location when you find yourself blocked. You can bypass blackouts or watch US sports from another country. NordVPN is the best sports streaming VPN, according to my extensive tests of over 15 providers.
What is the best free VPN for sports streaming?
Proton VPN is the best VPN for sports streaming, as it’s one of the only free VPNs with speeds powerful enough to avoid laggy streams. Bear in mind that premium ProtonVPN users have access to a larger server fleet and better speeds. However, I recommend choosing a NordVPN instead – it’s the best VPN for sports streaming.
How to watch sports for free with VPN?
You can watch sports for free with a VPN by using ProtonVPN to connect to a location where a stream is available. Just bear in mind that free VPNs can be slow compared to NordVPN, which is the best overall VPN for sports streaming. NordVPN offers a limited free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What is the best VPN to watch out-of-market sports?
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching out-of-market sports games that aren’t being televised in your area. It has the fastest VPN speeds in the industry, airtight security, and unlimited data for all the HD sports streaming you can manage. Surfshark runs a close second, with PrivateVPN and ExpressVPN making good alternatives.
How to watch football with a VPN?
You can unblock an international football stream by using a VPN – download the VPN on your favorite sports streaming device and connect to a VPN server in the country hosting the stream. This will work if you’re on vacation and have been blocked by your usual streaming service or live in a different country to the stream you’re trying to access. If it’s a temporary need for a vacation, I recommend using NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee to not cost you anything.
How to watch sports without cable?
My preferred alternative to watching sports on cable is Hulu + Live TV, a streaming service that bundles ESPN+ with regular programming. This gives you major-league NCAA, NBA, NFL, and NHL games, in addition to sports channels like CBS Sports, FOX, and the NFL Network.
