How to get around ESPN blackout in 2026

Quick summary: ESPN and ESPN+ block local games due to regional blackout rules and use your IP address to enforce these restrictions. However, with a premium ESPN VPN, you can get around ESPN+ blackouts and access every game from anywhere.

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ESPN and ESPN+ remain two of the most popular ways to stream live sports in 2026, where sports fans can find everything from MLB and NHL to UFC, college football, and soccer. However, many still run into the same problem: ESPN blackout restrictions. These blackouts happen due to broadcasting rights, which lead to certain matches being unavailable in specific states. And to enforce these restrictions, ESPN uses your IP address to determine whether you’ll see the dreaded “This game is blacked out in your area” message.

Fortunately, you can get around ESPN+ blackouts with the right tool. The most reliable fix is using a VPN to bypass ESPN blackouts by changing your virtual location. A premium VPN for ESPN+ lets you mask your IP address and appear in another US city, so ESPN can’t detect your real region and apply blackout rules.

Keep on reading to learn why ESPN blackout restrictions happen, how to get around ESPN blackouts in 2026, and which VPNs deliver the fastest, smoothest access to every game on ESPN and ESPN+.

Best VPN to get around ESPN blackout in 2026

1. NordVPN

   Best VPN to bypass ESPN blackout
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Reliable VPN for getting around ESPN blackout
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Privacy-focused VPN to bypass ESPN blackouts
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Cheap, fast VPN for bypassing ESPN blackout restrictions
   8.2
5. Norton VPN

   Beginner-friendly VPN to get around ESPN blackouts
   7.3

Why does ESPN blackout games?

ESPN and ESPN+ often blackout games due to broadcasting rights and agreements with sports leagues and broadcasters. In the US, sports translations are divided into local and national streams, and ESPN+ handles the majority of national sports matches. Many of these games are not available on other streaming platforms. On the other hand, local games are often blacked out on ESPN+ due to the previously mentioned broadcasting agreements and the need to protect local cable TV providers’ interests. These providers strive to keep their viewer base by exclusively airing local games, while national games are streamed online to reach a wider audience.

Even though ESPN and ESPN+ often blackout their games depending on your physical location, there is a solution that can help to bypass this. Using a reliable VPN provider can help to bypass ESPN+ blackouts by masking your IP address and changing your location.

Best VPNs to bypass ESPN blackout

1. NordVPN – the ultimate VPN for ESPN+ in 2026
2. Surfshark – reliable VPN to get around ESPN+ blackout
3. Proton VPN – strong privacy VPN for bypassing ESPN+ regional restrictions
4. TotalVPN – best budget ESPN VPN for unblocking blacked-out games
5. Norton VPN – easy-to-use VPN for accessing ESPN blackout restrictions

I tested 30 different providers by checking their geo-restriction unlocking capabilities, speed, and pricing, and found five top sports streaming VPNs. NordVPN is the best option due to having many US servers and blazing-fast speeds. Surfshark is another strong pick as it provides speedy US servers and a Smart DNS feature for streaming. Meanwhile, Proton VPN excels in privacy-focused streaming, TotalVPN delivers solid performance on a budget, and Norton VPN impresses with its US city-level servers and Mimic protocol. With all that in mind, below is a full breakdown of how each one handles ESPN+ streaming.

Top 1. NordVPN – the best VPN to unblock ESPN+ blackout games

The best way to get around the ESPN blackout is NordVPN. The service offers over 3000 servers across 29+ US cities, netting you instant access to blacked-out ESPN+ games. During testing, I had no issue streaming various sports games live, from the Bruins and Dodgers to the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and more.

Thanks to the NordLynx protocol, my connection speeds were excellent, retaining up to 90% of the initial speed. It led to a lag-free 4K UHD viewing experience on ESPN. Even on devices without native VPN support, such as Roku, NordVPN’s router configuration let me bypass blackouts and stream ESPN+ without restrictions. And if you need extra assurance, you can use obfuscated servers to hide any VPN usage tracks for easier bypassing of ESPN restrictions.

NordVPN works on all major devices – Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV – so you can stream ESPN+ on whichever screen you prefer. Plus, with just one subscription, you can cover up to 10 simultaneous connections

NordVPN is the best VPN for ESPN blackout restrictions, currently available with a 76% discount, for just $3.09/month. You can also try it out risk-free with a 3-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

Top 2. Surfshark – ESPN VPN with great geo-block bypassing capabilities

Surfshark is another dependable VPN to easily bypass ESPN blackout on your streaming device. With around 600 speedy servers in 24+ US cities alone, it effectively lets you unblock many restricted sports matches without a fuss. This provider is also suitable for those who want buffer-free live streaming, as it retained around 85% of the original connection speed when I tested it.

Another useful thing that Surfshark offers for streaming enthusiasts is Smart DNS. With it, you can bypass ESPN+ local blackouts on any device. I also liked the Camouflage and NoBorders modes. These mask VPN traffic as regular traffic, helping bypass VPN blocks – handy since ESPN+ does block VPNs.

You can bypass ESPN blackouts on an unlimited number of devices with just one Surfshark account. And like with all top streaming VPNs, this one works on PC, mobile, routers, and streaming gadgets.

If you want a cheap VPN for ESPN blackout bypass, Surfshark subscriptions start at just $1.99/month and come with a generous 87% discount when you take advantage of current Surfshark promo codes. If you don’t want to dive head first, just test the waters with a free 7-day trial, and remember, all Surfshark plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

Top 3. Proton VPN – secure streaming VPN to bypass ESPN blackouts

Proton VPN is one of the best premium VPNs for getting around ESPN blackouts. It has over 20,075 servers in 145+ countries, including more than 5255 servers across 21+ US cities – perfect for connecting to regions where your game isn’t blocked. In my tests, Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol was especially handy when ESPN+ got aggressive with VPN detection, as it helped me easily bypass every ESPN+ blackout error.

The VPN Accelerator is another standout feature, as it can boost your connection speeds by up to 400%, so you can forget about buffering during live MLB, NHL, NBA, and college football streams. Meanwhile, Proton’s NetShield blocks ads and trackers that can leak your location data and interfere with ESPN+ playback.

Since Proton is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and follows a strict no-logs policy, it’s one of the safest options for sports streaming. However, keep in mind that you’ll need the Proton VPN Plus plan for streaming services, as the free tier won’t unblock ESPN+.

Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN for ESPN blackout bypass, currently available with a 70% discount at just $2.99/month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Overall, it’s one of the best high-performance solutions for bypassing ESPN blackouts in 2026.

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

Top 4. TotalVPN – budget-friendly VPN to unblock blacked-out ESPN games

TotalVPN is one of the cheapest ways to get around the ESPN blackout. With servers in over 90 countries, it offers reliable servers in 24+ US locations, which are more than enough for you to access blacked-out games. During testing, TotalVPN handled HD sports streaming without buffering, thanks to its AES-256 encryption and reliable IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols.

While TotalVPN lacks more advanced obfuscation and security tools, it includes all essential features to help you easily bypass ESPN blackouts. It’s designed with pure simplicity in mind, without having you tweak complex settings just to stream your favorite restricted ESPN games. TotalVPN supports all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android) and allows up to 8 simultaneous connections.

TotalVPN is the best choice for those who want to bypass ESPN+ blackouts on a tighter budget, currently available with an 80% discount. And right now you can get TotalVPN for just $1.59/month. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it completely risk-free.

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

Top 5. Norton VPN – simple and secure VPN to avoid ESPN+ blackout blocks

Norton VPN is a simple yet surprisingly powerful option for avoiding ESPN+ blackout blocks. With servers in 27+ US cities, it’s perfect for “moving” to a neighboring region where your game isn’t restricted. During testing, Norton’s Mimic protocol worked especially well against ESPN’s VPN filters by disguising VPN traffic as ordinary HTTPS browsing.

Norton VPN also includes a built-in ad and tracker blocking, which helps prevent location leaks that can trigger blackout errors. Norton also includes split tunneling on its Windows and Android apps, which lets you route only ESPN+ traffic through the VPN while keeping everything else on your normal connection.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly VPN to bypass ESPN+ blackouts, Norton VPN is currently available with 54% off. It covers apps on all major platforms and includes a generous 60-day money-back guarantee on annual plans. You can get Norton VPN for $3.33/month and see if this simple and reliable VPN is the right choice to bypass ESPN+ blackouts.

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

Compare best VPNs to get around ESPN blackout

How can a VPN help to get around ESPN blackout?

ESPN+ is a region-locked service that checks every visitor’s IP address before letting them in. At first, it weeds out everyone who doesn’t have a US IP. Then, it checks what State you are in and automatically curates your stream selection by blacking out any games happening in your location.

A VPN helps bypass ESPN blackout restrictions by letting users connect to another US State where the local game they want to watch isn’t blacked out. All you have to do is select a server in the US state that broadcasts the game nationwide. It’s also handy if you’re traveling outside the country and don’t want to miss any games broadcasted on ESPN+.

The rest is fairly easy if you’re armed with a capable VPN for bypassing sports blackouts. However, you have to keep in mind that the process of unblocking such content on ESPN is slightly different, depending on what device you want to use.

How to get around ESPN & ESPN+ live blackouts on desktop

You can bypass ESPN blackout using a secure VPN with fast streaming servers, like NordVPN. Connect to a server in the country where your desired sports event is broadcast, then visit the ESPN+ website to enjoy the live stream! Here's a quick guide on using a VPN on your computer:

Step 1. Download and install a reliable ESPN VPN app

To bypass ESPN+ blackouts, start by installing a trusted VPN with fast US servers. A good ESPN VPN should consistently mask your IP address, avoid VPN detection, and provide stable HD streaming speeds. In my tests, NordVPN performed the most reliably for unblocking blacked-out ESPN+ games.

Step 2. Connect to a US server outside the blackout region

Launch the VPN app and connect to a US city where your game isn’t restricted. Since ESPN enforces blackouts based on regional broadcast zones, switching to another location instantly removes the blackout. For example, if a game is blacked out in Chicago, connect to a server in Denver or Miami.

Step 3. Clear your browser cookies and app location data

Before opening ESPN+, clear your cookies and cached data so the platform can’t read your previous location. ESPN often stores region data even after your IP changes, so refreshing your digital footprint ensures the blackout bypass works properly.

Step 4. Open ESPN+ and stream any previously blacked-out game

With your VPN active and cookies cleared, head to ESPN+ and refresh the page. You should now be able to watch any game that was blacked out in your area, with full HD streaming and no regional restrictions.

Bypass blackouts with NordVPN

How to get around ESPN live blackouts on mobile

Things are a bit trickier for those who want to get around ESPN+ blackouts on phones. The platform forces mobile users to turn on GPS location tracking to further confirm their location. IP addresses differ from your GPS location, so VPN software cannot mask them. This is why ESPN+ not working with a VPN is such a common issue for mobile users.

In addition to a VPN, you also need a GPS spoofer app. But in order for it to work properly, you have to root your phone, which isn’t an option if you want to keep your phone’s warranty or are just not that tech-savvy.

But I found somewhat of a solution for that, too – Surfshark’s GPS spoofing feature. Given that it’s available only for Android, it helped me bypass the ESPN blackout on mobiles that run on this OS. Here’s what you have to do:

Step 1. Get a mobile VPN that can bypass ESPN+ blackouts

Install a VPN that works well on phones and supports GPS spoofing. Surfshark is ideal since its Android app can override your device’s GPS location without rooting.

Step 2. Connect to a US location where the game isn’t blacked out

Open your VPN and choose a US city outside the blackout zone. This changes your IP address so ESPN+ can’t detect your real region.

Step 3. Enable GPS spoofing to match your VPN location

On Android, enable Surfshark’s GPS override feature so your phone’s location matches your VPN server. This prevents ESPN+ from detecting your true physical location.

Step 4. Open ESPN+ and stream without blackout restrictions

Restart the ESPN+ app after syncing your VPN + GPS locations. You should now be able to watch previously blacked-out games on mobile.

Still, during testing, I saw that you’re more likely to access local blacked out games on ESPN on devices that don’t have GPS modules. Namely, these are computers and streaming peripherals, such as smart TVs, Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, etc. But since some of these don’t support VPN software natively (like Roku and Chromecast), you’ll have to install the VPN on your router first.

ESPN blackout map

Many different sports leagues, like NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA, experience blackouts due to broadcasting rights, so you’ll come across a blackout if you watch it on ESPN, too. Here is an example of an ESPN blackout map for MLB:

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

While you might consider using a free VPN for ESPN blackout restrictions, I don’t recommend it. First and foremost, most free providers lack US servers, so there’s not much choice where to connect to unblock games. You won’t be able to do much if the VPN only has a few servers in the New York area.

Another crucial aspect of free VPNs is that they throttle connection speeds and can result in spotty connections. You might just end up missing crucial moments of the match because ESPN either lags or your VPN suddenly gets disconnected. Not to mention the fact that such providers collect user data and sell it to third parties for profit.

Instead of relying on a free VPN for ESPN blackout bypass, it’s better to use NordVPN or Surfshark with their free trials and 30-day money-back guarantees. NordVPN had the most reliable track record, unblocking blacked out games every time.

Try NordVPN today

Conclusion

ESPN+ delivers huge sports coverage – from hockey and football to UFC and international leagues. However, ESPN blackout rules stop many fans from watching the games they pay for. These restrictions use your IP address to determine whether you’re in a blocked region, which is why so many streams become unavailable.

The easiest and most reliable workaround is to use a VPN to bypass ESPN blackouts. In my tests, NordVPN proved to be the best VPN for ESPN+, thanks to its massive US server network, reliable speeds, and SmartPlay streaming technology. With it, I could unblock every blacked-out stream and watch matches in smooth HD. So if ESPN blackouts keep interrupting your matchday, NordVPN is the easiest way to bypass them in 2026.

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FAQ

Why can’t I watch games on ESPN+?

ESPN+ blocks certain games because of regional broadcast rights. These blackouts are triggered by your IP address, which tells ESPN where you’re located. So if a game is available on a local TV channel, ESPN+ will restrict streaming access.

Why does ESPN+ blackout games?

Games are blacked out on ESPN+ when licensing rules prevent the service from streaming them in your area. ESPN+ checks your IP address to enforce these blackout zones. To bypass this, many sports fans use premium VPNs, like NordVPN, to change their virtual location and watch blocked games.

Why is ESPN blacked out in my area?

If ESPN is blacked out in your area, it’s because your location falls inside a restricted broadcast market. ESPN checks your IP address to decide whether you’re inside a restricted zone. Because of this, many fans use NordVPN to switch locations and avoid ESPN’s blackout restrictions.

How to watch blackout games on ESPN+?

You can watch blackout games on ESPN+ by using a VPN to change your virtual location. ESPN blocks games based on your IP address, so connecting through a city outside the blackout zone lifts the restriction. In 2026, NordVPN is one of the most reliable options for bypassing ESPN+ blackouts.

Why can't I watch MLB on ESPN+?

MLB games often get blacked out on ESPN+ due to league broadcasting agreements. When a matchup is available on a regional sports network in your location, ESPN+ must block the stream to avoid violating licensing rights. Your IP address determines whether a game is restricted, and using a VPN can change your virtual location to bypass MLB blackouts.

Which VPN is best for ESPN blackout?

The best VPN for bypassing ESPN blackout restrictions is NordVPN. It offers over 3203 fast US servers across 29+ cities, reliable streaming performance, and strong leak protection to keep your real location hidden. In testing, NordVPN consistently unblocked every blacked-out ESPN+ game with smooth HD playback.

Can ESPN+ detect and blacklist your VPN?

ESPN+ can detect and blacklist VPN IP addresses, especially if they’re shared by many users. When this happens, you’ll get a blackout or location-error message. High-quality VPNs such as NordVPN bypass detection by offering fresh IP pools and obfuscated servers that look like normal traffic.

What does blackout mean on ESPN?

A blackout on ESPN means a specific game cannot be streamed in your area because local broadcasters have exclusive rights. ESPN uses your IP address to enforce these restrictions. So if you’re inside the protected region, ESPN+ will show a blackout message instead of the live game.