There’s an Easy Way to Bypass ESPN+ Live Blackout Restrictions (2024)

At a Glance

Sports streaming services, like ESPN+, MLB.tv, and others restrict their content. Sports services are even more restrictive than movie and TV streaming services, in many cases limiting content access only to viewers located in certain states or cities.

How Can a VPN Help Me Bypass ESPN+ Restriction?

Happily, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can temporarily assign your device a new IP address, making it appear as if your connection is originating from a location outside the blackout area. My recommendation for the best VPN for accessing regionally-blocked sporting events online is NordVPN.

In this article, I’ll show you how to bypass the ESPN+ live blackout restrictions and tell you about NordVPN’s impressive features.

Blackout Examples

Nearly all major sports leagues – be they professional like the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, or MLS, or colleges, like the NCAA, SEC, AAC, and numerous other conferences – limit access to their content. They do so by implementing blackout restrictions on local viewers.

This means that if you’re a soccer fan living in Los Angeles, ESPN+’s website or app may not allow you to view LA Galaxy games, but instead requires you to view the game on a local television outlet. The same goes for the Dodgers and Rams in baseball and football, respectively.

By connecting to a server outside the blackout area, you can unblock a region-blocked game. If you’re in Los Angeles and can’t stream the Dodgers game on ESPN+, all you need to do is connect to a VPN server in Chicago (or any other server outside the Los Angeles viewing area), and you can regain access to the game on the ESPN+ app or website.

This also works great for when you’re traveling abroad and want to watch your favorite local team play.

The ESPN+ Blackout Policy

The ESPN+ blackout policy is as follows:

“Certain live sporting events and other content available through the ESPN+ service subscription may be subject to blackouts. For example, if you are in the home television territory of a team participating in a game, then the game may be blacked-out for viewing or live viewing as part of your ESPN+ service subscription (or other applicable third-party services). Blackouts will be enforced according to the location from which you are accessing the ESPN+ service or the applicable third-party services, and we may use different technologies and methods to verify your geographic location. If you do not enable location access on your device, you will not be able to access the ESPN+ service.”

How to Use a VPN to Bypass ESPN’s Sporting Event Blackouts

If a game is blacked out in your area, you’ll likely see a message that informs you that you’re blacked out due to the league’s regional restrictions.

In some cases, national sports channels, like ESPN, may simply display a notice that the content is unavailable, with no other explanation.

Keep in mind that each league has its own blackout policies. You can usually find each league’s policy by looking it up on the leagues’ websites.

Here’s how to bypass regional blackouts on ESPN and other services:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN service that offers plenty of servers, delivers fast connection speeds, and offers reliable access to blacked-out games. (In my testing, I’ve found NordVPN to be the most reliable VPN for this purpose.)
2. Install the VPN app on your device of choice. (Note: While these steps will work on computers and most tablets, you may have some issues on smartphones, where ESPN and other services can check your true location using the device’s built-in GPS capabilities. More about how to deal with this later.)
3. Log into a VPN server located in the same country or state as the desired sporting event, but in a location where the game is not blacked out. For example, to watch a Chicago Cubs game, you’ll likely have good luck by connecting to a server in Los Angeles.
4. Go to the ESPN website or load the ESPN app. Log into your account and select the previously blacked-out game. You will now have access to the live game and its replays that are normally blacked out.

Resolving Live Blackouts: Mobile vs. Desktop

When a streaming sports service like ESPN+ blocks your access to a particular sporting event, they likely do it by detecting your location. The service does this on desktop and laptop computers by detecting your location via your IP address.

However, for many mobile devices, such as smartphones and many tablets, a video streaming provider can detect your location using your device’s built-in GPS radio.

That’s right, the same helpful little GPS radio that helps you navigate through traffic can also act as a snitch and tell ESPN where you’re really located, even if your VPN app is telling the streaming service a different location.

While mobile apps will ask for permission before using your location information (on iOS devices, as well as Android devices), apps might not perform correctly if you don’t grant permission. A VPN can hide your real IP address, but not your GPS location.

Streaming services like ESPN+ may require you to have location services enabled so they can detect your location (as seen below). Detecting your location via GPS may defeat the VPN’s ability to spoof your location.

If the mobile version of ESPN+ continues to deny you access to your favorite local team’s live-action, you might want to try the blackout-bypassing suggestions for Android and iOS devices that I outline in my “How to Bypass MLB Blackouts With a VPN” article.

If none of the above works for mobile viewing, you may be forced to view ESPN+ on your desktop or laptop computer, or on devices like Apple TV, Roku, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, or other streaming devices that are not equipped with GPS. (While you can usually use a VPN app on the Amazon Fire TV, the other devices I’ve listed will require you to enable VPN protection on your router or share your Mac or Windows PC’s VPN connection.)

Bypassing ESPN+ Live Blackouts in a Browser

Using a VPN with your favorite browser will allow you to enjoy your favorite team in action, with no worries about having the action blacked out in your area.

Bypassing local blackouts with a browser and a VPN is simple. Load the app from your VPN provider of choice, select a VPN server outside of the blacked-out area, load your browser of choice, and visit the ESPN website. Enjoy the show. (Told you it was simple!)

If you still have an issue accessing the blacked-out game, try clearing your browser’s cache and tracking cookies. ESPN could be accessing this information to determine your location.

Methodology for Assessing a VPN for Bypassing ESPN+ Blackouts

You shouldn’t necessarily choose the first VPN service provider you see when you Google “VPN.” It may not offer the ability to bypass ESPN+ blackouts, and may not offer good stats in other areas.

When deciding upon which VPN to recommend for bypassing ESPN+ blackouts, I considered the following:

• Speed: You’ll want a VPN that can stream ESPN+’s content in the best resolution possible, without waiting for the service to buffer while the sporting action is continuing without you. That’s why I chose to recommend NordVPN, which offers extremely fast connection speeds.
• Server network: Since sporting events are geo-restricted based on where you are, it’s important for a VPN to offer servers in as many locations as possible. NordVPN offers tons of servers in 59+ countries, including in 15+ cities in the U.S.
• Value: It doesn’t make sense to choose a VPN that charges a high price for little in return. NordVPN offers excellent value, with many features and much functionality for a budget price.
• Ease of use: Don’t settle for a VPN before knowing whether or not it’s easy to use. You don’t want to be stuck with a VPN that you can’t figure out. NordVPN offers easy-to-use apps for myriad platforms.
• Security and privacy: To protect your security and privacy, make sure that any VPN you choose offers security protections like government-grade encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Also, make sure it doesn’t keep any logs of your online activities. My pick, NordVPN, offers all of this and more.
• Streaming: Obviously, you want a VPN that’s capable of streaming ESPN+. But I made sure the VPN I recommended also offers access to other sports-centric video streaming services, like BeIN Sports, as well as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

Don’t think that my research ends here. Evaluating the features above makes up just a small portion of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach helps me better understand the VPN providers and the services they offer. This allows me to recommend only those that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

What Is the Best VPN for Avoiding ESPN+ Blackouts?

While there are numerous VPN providers that may be capable of accessing local market games on ESPN+, only one VPN has proven itself to provide the most reliable unblocking power, as well as optimal protection and enhancement for all of your online activities.

Below, you’ll find my mini-review of NordVPN.

NordVPN

NordVPN provides optimal unblocking for blacked-out games in your area.

The provider’s extensive global server network provides optimal access to blocked content around the globe, while its fast connection speeds mean you’ll never have to wait long for the action to begin.

1. Connection Speed

NordVPN’s connection speeds ranked near the top of the list in my most recent speed tests, providing enough speed for both HD and 4K video streams. (ESPN and other sports networks are testing 4K streams.)

The provider never restricts your viewing enjoyment by imposing data caps or bandwidth limitations on your usage.

2. Multi-Platform Support

ESPN+ is available on most popular device platforms, making comprehensive multi-platform app support an important consideration. NordVPN has most connected device platforms covered.

The provider offers native apps for Windows, macOS (including native Apple Silicon support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV device platforms. Browser extensions are also available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions.

If you prefer to view the action on an Apple TV, Xbox One, PS4, or another streaming or gaming box, you can take advantage of the provider’s SmartDNS service to access your local games, or you can share your Windows PC or Mac’s VPN-protected connection.

Keep in mind, though, that the SmartDNS service doesn’t encrypt your connection like the provider’s VPN service does.

Users can simultaneously connect up to six devices to the service on a single set of login credentials. If you need to protect more than six devices, or if you need VPN protection for devices not on the above list, the provider offers compatibility with numerous makes and models of routers.

3. Customer Support

While NordVPN is one of the most reliable providers I’ve had the pleasure to use, it stands to reason that you may occasionally have an issue arise or you may have a question or two. When that time comes, you’ll appreciate NordVPN’s comprehensive customer support.

You’ll have help around the clock thanks to a 24/7 live chat option, a support ticket tracking system, email support, and a searchable support database.

4. Global Server Coverage

NordVPN has a server network that covers most of the globe, with 5,300+ servers stationed in close to 60 countries. Many of those servers are spread across 15+ different cities in the U.S.

Coverage like that means you’ll be able to view your favorite team’s games, no matter where they’re located.

5. Security and Privacy

NordVPN does an excellent job of protecting your online security and privacy.

The provider’s connections are protected using military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. Its servers never save any logs of its users’ travels, and it accepts cryptocurrency as a subscription payment.

In addition, NordVPN also helps block ads and online threats like trackers, malware, and more. The provider’s dark web monitoring service alerts users when their personal information has been exposed.

The provider’s owned-and-operated server network keeps outside contractors away from NordVPN customers’ personal information. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run 100% from volatile RAM, with no data being written to a physical hard drive. This means that all data on a server is totally wiped when it is rebooted or shutdown.

6. Pricing

You’ll find that NordVPN is reasonably priced, and you will also find that the provider delivers an excellent return on investment. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

Conclusion

A Virtual Private Network offers the most reliable way to access blacked-out sporting events in your area.

Using a VPN – like my #1 choice, NordVPN – allows you to access all types of online content, including sporting events, movies, TV shows, and other types of services and websites. In addition, a VPN also prevents third parties from detecting and monitoring your online activities, while also preventing your ISP from throttling your connection speeds.

For more information or to subscribe, visit the NordVPN website.

ESPN Plus Live Blackout FAQs