How to get around ESPN blackout restrictions in 2026

Key takeaways:

• ESPN blackouts happen when a game is blocked in your area because a local broadcaster has the rights to show it.
• To get around ESPN blackouts, use a VPN and connect to a US server where the game is available.
• NordVPN was the best VPN to get around ESPN blackouts in my tests, while Surfshark is a strong pick for unlimited devices and Proton VPN is a good privacy-focused option.

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Local and regional broadcast deals can stop ESPN and ESPN+ from showing certain live MLB, NHL, NBA, and college sports games in your area. Fortunately, you can use a VPN to change your virtual location and get around an ESPN blackout. Just connect to a server in a US city outside the blackout zone, then open ESPN+ and stream the game from where it’s available.

For example, if you’re in New York and can’t watch a Yankees game on ESPN+, you can connect to a VPN server in Chicago or Los Angeles to change your virtual location and watch the live game.

Note: Mobile devices can be trickier than desktop. Even with a VPN, ESPN may still use your device’s location services to confirm where you are. If the stream remains blacked out, try matching your VPN server with a reliable GPS spoofing tool, such as Surfshark’s GPS Override feature on Android.

Best VPN to get around ESPN blackout

⚠️ Test before you buy: Based on my tests, NordVPN is the overall best VPN for bypassing ESPN blackout restrictions, and you can try it risk-free with a 3-day trial on Android or a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans and devices.

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 broadcasting rights are split between leagues, regional sports networks, local stations, streaming services, and cable providers. Major leagues such as MLB, NBA, and NHL control the rights and set geographic rules for each team market. Regional sports networks and local stations then buy exclusive rights for those areas. As a result, ESPN and ESPN+ must block certain live streams for viewers watching from inside a restricted local market, which causes a blackout.

Even though ESPN and ESPN+ often blackout their games depending on your physical location, you can bypass these restrictions by using a reliable VPN to mask your IP address.

Best VPNs to bypass ESPN blackout

To bypass ESPN and ESPN+ regional blackouts, you need a reliable sports streaming VPN with a large network of US city-level servers. It should also offer fast speeds and a regularly refreshed IP pool to help avoid streaming blocks. Other key factors include strong leak protection, reliable ESPN+ unblocking results, stable HD/4K streaming performance, and apps for the devices you use most. Based on my tests, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and ExpressVPN stood out as the best VPNs for getting around ESPN blackouts. They all worked well for streaming, offered broad US server coverage, and delivered stable performance during testing.

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

The best way to get around the ESPN blackouts is NordVPN. The service offers over 2902 servers across 55 US locations, giving you plenty of options to connect outside your local blackout market. 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 your VPN traffic 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 for just $3.49/month. You can also try it out risk-free with a 3-day Android 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 an affordable VPN for bypassing ESPN blackouts, with plans starting at just $2.49/month. With around 600 speedy servers in 24+ US cities, it gives you plenty of options for connecting outside your local blackout region and accessing blacked-out sports content. 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 router support, which helps you use the VPN on devices that do not support VPN apps directly. I also liked the Camouflage and NoBorders modes. Camouflage masks VPN traffic as regular traffic, while NoBorders helps the app work on restricted networks – handy since ESPN+ can 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 $2.49/month and come with a generous 85% discount when you take advantage of current Surfshark promo codes. If you don’t want to dive ‘in head first, you can 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 20,660 servers in 148+ countries, including more than 6015 servers across 22 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, malware, and trackers, helping reduce online tracking and unwanted domains while streaming ESPN+.

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 a paid Proton VPN plan, such as Proton VPN Plus, for streaming services, as the free tier isn’t meant for reliable ESPN+ access.

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 1,800+ 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 while using 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 on annual and biannual plans, so you can test it completely risk-free.

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

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

ExpressVPN is a simple yet powerful option for avoiding ESPN+ blackout blocks. With servers across all 50 US states and 62 US server locations, it gives you plenty of options for connecting outside your local blackout market. During testing, ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol delivered smooth HD streaming and helped me access ESPN+ games from a different US region.

ExpressVPN also includes Advanced Protection tools, including ad and malicious-site blocking, while tracker blocking is available on Advanced and Pro plans. Its split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN, which is useful if you only want ESPN+ traffic routed through ExpressVPN. For devices without native VPN app support, MediaStreamer and router setup can also help cover smart TVs and streaming gadgets.

If you’re looking for a strong VPN to bypass ESPN+ blackouts, ExpressVPN is currently available with up to 80% off, with plans starting at just $2.99/month. You can also get a 3-day free trial on iOS and Android, while new direct subscribers are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free.

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

How to bypass ESPN blackouts on desktop

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 your local broadcast market and automatically curates your stream selection by blacking out games restricted in your area.

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.

Here's a quick guide on using a VPN on your computer:

Step 1. Get a high-speed VPN with an extensive US server network

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. Download the VPN app on your preferred streaming device

For bypassing ESPN blackouts, I recommend streaming on a PC, Mac, or dedicated streaming device like Amazon Fire TV rather than on mobile devices or gaming consoles. These devices usually allow direct VPN app setup, while mobile devices may rely on extra location signals and consoles often require router or hotspot configuration. If you prefer watching on your phone, you’ll find a detailed mobile guide below.

Step 3. Connect to a US server outside the blackout region

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 4. Clear your browser cookies and app location data

Before opening ESPN+, clear your cookies and cached data to remove stored session or location signals. ESPN may still use your IP address and other location methods to enforce blackouts, so refreshing your browser or app data can help prevent old location data from interfering with the VPN connection.

Step 5. 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 smooth HD streaming and fewer regional restriction issues.

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+ has plenty of live sports, from hockey and football to UFC and international leagues. However, to comply with broadcasting agreements, ESPN uses location signals like your IP address to enforce regional restrictions, which can result in blackouts. So even if you have a subscription, you may still run into ESPN blackout rules when watching from a restricted local market.

Fortunately, a VPN is the easiest way to change your virtual location and appear outside the blackout area. In my latest tests, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN for ESPN+ in 2026. It offers reliable performance for getting around ESPN blackouts thanks to 2902+ servers across 55 US locations, fast speeds, and solid unblocking capabilities.

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FAQ

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 location to enforce these restrictions. So if you’re inside the protected region, ESPN+ may show a blackout message instead of the live game.

Why can’t I watch games on ESPN+?

ESPN+ blocks certain games because of regional broadcast rights. These blackouts are usually based on your location, which ESPN may verify through your IP address and other location signals. So if a game is reserved for a local TV channel in your area, ESPN+ may restrict streaming access.

Why are NHL games blacked out on ESPN Plus?

ESPN Plus blacks out some NHL games due to local broadcast rights. If you’re inside a team’s home TV territory, ESPN+ may block the live stream. To watch a blacked-out NHL game on ESPN+, use a VPN to connect to another US city where the game is not restricted.

Why does ESPN+ blackout games?

Games are blacked out on ESPN+ when licensing rules prevent the service from streaming them in your area. ESPN enforces these blackout zones based on your location, which may be checked through your IP address and other location signals. To get around this, many sports fans use premium VPNs, like NordVPN, to change their virtual location.

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 location to decide whether you’re inside a blackout 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 some games based on your location, so connecting through a city outside the blackout zone can help remove the restriction. In 2026, NordVPN is one of the most reliable options for bypassing ESPN+ blackouts.

How to bypass ESPN blackout on Roku?

To bypass ESPN blackout on Roku, set up a VPN on your Wi-Fi router. Connect to a US server outside your local blackout market, restart your Roku device, open the ESPN app or ESPN+, and try streaming the game again.

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 reserved for a regional sports network in your location, ESPN+ may block the stream to follow licensing rules. A VPN can help change your virtual location to get around MLB blackouts.

Which VPN is best for ESPN blackout?

The best VPN for bypassing ESPN blackout restrictions is NordVPN. It offers over 2902 fast US servers across 55 locations, reliable streaming performance, and strong leak protection to keep your real location hidden. In testing, NordVPN helped with blacked-out ESPN+ games while delivering 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 may see a blackout or location-error message. High-quality VPNs such as NordVPN reduce this risk by offering large IP pools, leak protection, and obfuscated servers