How to watch blackout games with a VPN in 2025

Blackout restrictions prevent viewers from watching certain sports events due to broadcasting rights agreements between local and national content providers. These rules ensure that local broadcasters have exclusive access to certain games, limiting live coverage on national platforms. Major leagues like the NFL, NHL, and MLB enforce blackout restrictions, meaning fans in specific regions may be unable to stream games if a local provider holds the rights.

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, and you’ll appear to be in a different region. This way, streaming services will grant you access to geo-restricted content no matter your location.

After extensive in-house tests, NordVPN proved to be the best VPN for bypassing sports blackouts in 2025. It offers a vast network of US servers, ensuring reliable access to restricted games. Plus, its fast speeds provide a smooth, buffer-free streaming experience. Read on and learn how to watch blackout games with a VPN.

Top 3 VPNs to watch blackout games in 2025

1. NordVPN

   Best VPN to get around sports blackouts on every platform
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Fastest VPN to watch blacked-out games on every device
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Secure VPN to get rid of blackout restrictions while traveling
   8.6

Why do sports blackouts happen?

Due to complex broadcasting rights and agreements, only certain services are allowed to screen specific sports events. Blackout restrictions may apply to you if you’re located in a region where the match is restricted. Such blackouts are mainly imposed to prioritize the local market, more specifically, to sell more tickets to specific events. Otherwise, the rights are given to local cable broadcasters to carry the regional sports news and games.

One effective solution to bypass sports blackouts is the use of reliable VPN. It’s a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. A VPN for sports blackouts allows you to connect to a server located in a different region or country. This way, your IP address is changed, and you can access all live and on-demand games.

Moreover, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may throttle your bandwidth during sports streaming because they can see your online activities. A VPN can hide your tracks online and make you basically invisible, thanks to IP masking. This often lifts bandwidth limitations and increases streaming quality.

On top of it all, a VPN allows you to travel anywhere digitally, granting access to exclusive content previously restricted by geo-blocks. After the sports season or your favorite games end, you can explore movies or TV shows or even find cheaper airline tickets using a robust sports streaming VPN.

Best VPNs to get around blackout restrictions: detailed reviews

1. NordVPN – overall best VPN to watch blackout games in 2025
2. Surfshark VPN – fast VPN to avoid blackout restrictions on any streaming platform
3. Proton VPN – affordable VPN to get around sports blackouts while traveling

Based on my research and in-house tests, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stand out as the best options for bypassing sports blackouts in 2025. These top providers offer multiple US servers across the country, which ensures that you’ll be able to bypass geo-restrictions. Due to their fast speeds, you should be able to watch games in HD without any delays. Additionally, due to their robust security toolkit, you’ll be protected online while enjoying sports matches anonymously. Continue reading for detailed overviews of the top VPNs to avoid blackouts in 2025.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN to watch all games without blackouts

NordVPN is the best VPN to get rid of blackout restrictions due to its extensive server network, high speed, and excellent unblocking capabilities.

NordVPN has 7400+ servers in 118 countries, with 2200+ located only in the US. This makes it ideal for bypassing blackout restrictions. Every server I connected to facilitated UHD 4K streaming quality thanks to the NordLynx tunneling protocol. I enjoyed watching MLB matches with the Yankees while connected to the NordVPN server in Los Angeles. Plus, NordVPN retains 93% of its original speed on average.

During testing, the provider exhibited world-class prowess in unblocking leading streaming services, such as ESPN+, MLB.tv, and NHL.tv, among others. Besides, PCs and mobile devices, you can watch games on smart TVs, like Amazon Fire TV Stick. Though NordVPN only permits 10 simultaneous connections per subscription, you can set it on a router for full household coverage.

NordVPN has a solid privacy and security package. It utilizes AES-256 encryption to keep your browsing secure, two kill switches in case your connection drops, and IP & DNS leak protection to retain your anonymity. Additionally, it offers Dark Web monitoring, Threat Protection, and Meshnet.

You can get NordVPN for $3.09/monthbut don’t forget to take advantage of NordVPN coupons and a 7-day free trial available for Androids. The 30-day money-back guarantee also expands your opportunity to try NordVPN worry-free.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – reliable VPN to get around regional blackouts in the USA

Surfshark is an excellent choice for bypassing regional blackouts in the USA and beyond. Its user-friendly interface, stellar performance, and server coverage distinguish it from other VPN service providers.

Surfshark houses a great global distribution with 3200+ servers scattered across 100+ countries. US-only streaming platforms weren’t a problem to me, thanks to 600+ US servers. Also, I didn’t experience any significant drops in speed with the next-gen Wireguard protocol. During my tests, Surfshark retained 93% download and 64% upload speed on average.

No matter what streaming website I set Surfshark to, it unblocked them all. YouTube TV, ESPN+, and NFL+, like other major sports-viewing platforms, were accessible instantly through US servers. In terms of device compatibility, it works perfectly with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Meanwhile, SmartDNS and router support allowed me to watch games on my smart TV. This is quite handy, considering unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark is also a very secure VPN service provider. It offers AES-256 encryption, a reliable kill switch, DNS & IP leak protection, and other privacy features. Surfshark claims to follow no-logs policy and has other useful extras, such as Ad blocker, CleanWeb, and Camouflage mode.

Get your hands on Surfshark and watch blackout games for only $1.99/month. I advise checking Surfshark discount coupons or even trying the 7 day free trial. Plus, you can always rely on the 30 day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN – robust VPN to watch blackout games in your local area

Proton VPN is one of the best options to watch blackout games as it has over 2000 US servers that successfully bypass geo-restrictions. Due to the robust security toolkit, you’ll also stay protected while watching content online. The free version is a solid way to test the waters if you’re new to VPNs. However, the premium version is worth every penny.

With 9900+ servers in more than 117 countries, including 2000+ servers in the US, Proton VPN has you covered every time. Combined with the WireGuard tunneling protocol, the connection remained stable and speeds fast while I switched between servers, so I was able to watch blackout sports without any lag or interruptions. Plus, Proton VPN retained 85% of download and upload speeds on average.

Thanks to its proprietary Stealth protocol, Proton VPN is great at unblocking censored content and bypassing blackouts. I had no issues working around all the major sports streaming platforms’ blackouts, such as ESPN+, NFL+, or Fubo TV. Currently, it allows 10 simultaneous connections and is compatible with all the major apps and software (Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, Linux). The service worked perfectly with all my devices, so I was able to enjoy sports on my phone, computer, or even TV.

Your browsing will remain safe because Proton VPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. It’s also one of a few VPNs that use the Tor over VPN feature for that extra layer of security. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, so it closely follows the no-logs policy as well.

Get Proton VPN for $3.59/month. Before selecting a plan, I recommend checking out Proton VPN coupons for an even better deal. Remember that the 30-day money-back guarantee always covers you if you’re not satisfied with the service after all.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Comparison of the best VPNs for bypassing regional blackouts

How to avoid blackout restrictions with a VPN: detailed guide

The only way to successfully avoid blackout restrictions on your favorite sports matches is by using a reliable streaming VPN. By connecting to a VPN server in a US city where the sports match is available, streaming services will identify as physically being in that location. This way, you will bypass blackout restrictions that are imposed in your region. Using a VPN to bypass sports blackouts is fairly easy, as it only requires a few simple steps.

Step 1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN service

To successfully change your virtual location and get access to blackout games, you must first choose and purchase a VPN subscription. There are many VPN providers, but not all of them are capable of bypassing geo-restrictions. I recommend trying NordVPN, which proved to work excellently in terms of bypassing blackouts, especially since you can get it with a 72% discount.

Step 2. Download and install the VPN app on your device

Once you have a VPN subscription, you must download and install it on your preferred device. The installation process may differ depending on the device that you’re using. However, you should find detailed instructions on how to install the VPN app on your VPN provider’s official website. Additionally, the majority of VPNs allow a limited number of simultaneous connections, so if you want to watch sports matches on a larger number of devices, I recommend setting the VPN up on a router.

Step 3. Connecting to a VPN server outside the blackout area

To watch your favorite sports matches, you need to connect to a US VPN server in a city where the game is available. For example, if you’re interested in watching New Jersey Devils games, connect to a server in New York. If you want to cheer on the Los Angeles Kings, connect to a server in Los Angeles. You can stream these teams' games on ESPN+, TNT, or Max.

Step 4. Go to the streaming service and enjoy the game without blackouts!

There are various streaming services that broadcast sports events, such as MLB.tv, ESPN+, or Max, depending on the game that you’re trying to watch. If you’re connected to a US VPN server and still unable to bypass blackouts, there are a few things that you can try. First, try switching between a few different servers, as this usually helps to solve the issue quickly. Additionally, it’s important to check if your VPN connection is successful by checking your IP and DNS leaks.

Watch sports from anywhere with NordVPN

Can I use a free VPN to get around blackout restrictions?

It’s possible to use a free VPN to work around blackout restrictions. However, I don’t recommend using entirely free services. One of the reasons for this is the poor quality of service. Most free VPNs have a small selection of servers, meaning that they are usually overcrowded, and you may run into connection and speed problems. Additionally, some are full of ads, sell your data to third parties, or even stuff your devices with malicious malware.

However, there are safer ways to save some money while getting around blackouts. I recommend checking if premium service providers offer free trials. For example, NordVPN has 7 days for Androids, and Surfshark offers a free week for all devices. Use safe VPNs for free, and then switch providers after the trial ends. Additionally, you can take advantage of 30-day money-back guarantees. Even tho you have to pay for the service at first, by asking for a refund before the month ends, you will be able to enjoy sports without spending a penny.

Other ways to watch blackout games in 2025

If you’re still unsure about using a VPN to catch up with all your favorite team's games, there are some other ways how to watch blackout games.

• Local channels and broadcasters. Since many blackouts are designed to protect local broadcasters, by subscribing to cable or satellite service, you most likely will be able to watch local sports games.
• Attending the game. If you can buy yourself a ticket, attending local games can avoid blackouts.
• Local sports bars and restaurants. Since many sports bars have agreements with local providers to stream the games, this can be one of the more social ways to watch your favorite team play.
• Delayed viewing. If you don’t mind waiting, some games are shown later after they are played.

Which sports events are affected by blackout restrictions?

Blackout restrictions mainly affect live broadcasts and sporting events. They are imposed to protect ticket sales, local broadcaster rights, and any other agreements. Below I provide some information on how these restrictions affect major sporting events.

NFL

National Football League falls into the local market priority phenomenon, which means that you can only watch live the teams that are popular in your state. Due to the broadcasting contracts, streaming services prioritize screening more local content in specific regions.

But what about out-of-market NFL matches? Here are some ways how to enjoy those games as well:

• That's where special subscriptions come into play, providing the key to an enhanced viewing experience. Sunday Ticket serves as your gateway to a plethora of Sunday Day Games that aren't on your local screens. This offer, powered exclusively by YouTube TV, ensures that you don't miss a single match of non-local showdowns.
• Monday Night Football, a primetime spectacle hosted by ESPN, may be a staple on your sports calendar. But if your local team isn't in the spotlight, don't worry – a subscription-based service like Sling TV could grant you access to the action.
• Thursday Night Football. Amazon Prime can make your Thursdays synonymous with excitement on the turf. If your local team isn't part of the lineup of the TNF, Prime will make sure you don't miss a thing.

MLB

When it comes to watching MLB, blackout rules add an intriguing twist to the game day. Unlike the NFL, MLB’s blackout rules cast a shadow over local teams’ broadcasts. If you’re in the team’s home region, you won’t be able to stream the match via MLB to avoid competing with local TV channels.

But that's not all – some teams are extending their blackouts to neighboring states, and yes, even fans in Canada aren't exempt from the blackouts.

• Broadcasting rights play an important role, weaving another layer to the web of MLB intricacies. Sunday Night Games will run between 6 and 9 PM ET on ESPN since the platform holds the exclusive rights to deliver these electrifying matchups into your living room.
• Meanwhile, Fox will broadcast the Saturday Games between 8 PM and 10 PM ET, capturing the defining pivotal moments that make the weekend unforgettable.

It gets even more interesting when I look at the priorities of the local stations. When a local station and the MLB network both seek to air the same game, the local station is the one to decide. Unless an exclusive national broadcast right has been granted elsewhere.

NHL

NHL blackout rules also have their dark side – the ominous blackout for local teams.

If a game is on the local TV or a regional sports network in your area, things get even more complicated because you won't be able to see in-market NHL games without a VPN.

Alternatively, you can try catching out-of-market NHL games on these sports streaming platforms:

• YouTube TV
• Sling TV
• TSN
• Sportsnet NOW Premium
• Fubo TV
• Star+

NBA

When it comes to the NBA matches, NBA League Pass is your ultimate ticket to the exciting world of the NBA. But here's the kicker: while you can enjoy league-wide action with the pass, the showdowns between your local teams won’t be available for you to tune in.

But hold your cheers because there's more. NBA games broadcast on national networks like ABC, ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV? They're great venues for NHL fans as they're often untouched by the shadows of local blackouts. It's a nationwide affair, a spectacle for fans from coast to coast.

Other Sports

• UFC. It provides access to a wide array of content on its UFC.tv platform, encompassing offerings such as the fight pass subscription and pay-per-view services. However, during significant and highly anticipated bouts, UFC opts to license the broadcast rights to domestic and international local broadcasters in countries like the USA and UK, among others. However, you can enjoy Fight Night broadcasts along with exclusive access to the UFC PPV events with an ESPN+ subscription.
• CFL. For over-the-air signals, the CFL blackout restriction extends to 120 kilometers from the city where the game takes place or 56 kilometers from the host city's limits for cable signals. This also applies to games held in Saskatchewan within the province's boundaries. You can enjoy the games despite blackouts on TSN Go apps if you have the appropriate subscription.

Streaming services affected by sports blackouts

Conclusion

Many sporting events, including MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL, are subject to blackout restrictions due to exclusive broadcasting rights or the desire to fill stadiums. Whatever the case, sports enthusiasts are left frustrated and looking for other solutions to see the games. If you want to get around blackout restrictions, a trustworthy VPN is your biggest chance.

There are many VPN providers, but NordVPN is the ultimate VPN to watch blackout games. The service boasts more than 2200 US servers, whose connection retains high-tier speeds thanks to the NordLynx protocol. Not only can you watch out-of-market and in-market games in 4K UHD, but you can do so safely and privately. This VPN ticks all the checkboxes for streaming sports and securing the most impeccable experience possible.

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FAQ

Why do sports blackouts happen?

Sports blackouts happen due to broadcasting rights and agreements with local broadcasters and sports leagues. These blackouts are imposed to protect local broadcasters and to sell more tickets. If you’re experiencing a blackout, it means that you’re in a region where such restrictions are forced.

Can you use a VPN to get around sports blackouts?

Yes, you can use a VPN to get around sports blackouts. Using a VPN is not illegal and the main purpose of it is online privacy. Even though VPNs are legal, some streaming services prohibit their use and it goes against their ToS. However, reliable VPN providers like NordVPN are capable of bypassing geo-restrictions undetectably, so you shouldn’t experience any issues.

How do you watch a game that is blacked out?

The most reliable way to watch a game that is blacked out is by using a robust streaming VPN. A VPN will change your IP address and you will appear as being in a different location. One of the top VPNs, NordVPN, has 2200+ servers in the US, so you can find one to watch your favorite sports matches. Additionally, with NordVPN’s fast speeds, you will be able to do it without any delays.