Best NBA League Pass VPNs: get around blackouts restrictions in 2024

The 78th NBA season kicks off on October 22, 2024, and runs through April 13, 2025. While every game is available on NBA League Pass globally, fans in the US and Canada face blackout restrictions. These restrictions exist because local and national broadcasters have exclusive rights to televise live games, meaning if a game is airing locally or nationally, it won’t be available on League Pass in those regions.

Luckily, you can bypass NBA League Pass blackouts by connecting to a VPN server located outside the US or Canada. By using an NBA League Pass VPN to mask your location, you can make it appear as though you're in another country, effectively tricking the streaming platform into bypassing local blackouts.

However, it’s worth mentioning that while NBA League Pass won’t bring you any legal trouble for using a VPN, it can detect VPN connections that are not swift enough. That’s why it’s important to always go for VPNs with big server selection and top-of-the-line encryption. In this article, I’ve compiled tips on how to bypass NBA League Pass blackout restrictions and highlighted the best VPNs that effectively circumvent these limitations. Read on to make sure you don’t miss any of the excitement this NBA season.

Top 5 best NBA League Pass VPNs: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Overall best VPN for NBA League Pass in 2024
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Affordable NBA League Pass VPN with unlimited connections
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Secure VPN to get around blackout restrictions on NBA League Pass
   8.6
4. IPVanish

   Streaming-focused VPN to watch NBA League Pass anywhere
   8.4
5. CyberGhost VPN

   Trustworthy NBA League Pass VPN with great speed for streaming
   8.9

What is an NBA League Pass blackout and why is it used?

NBA League Pass blackouts occur due to regional broadcasting rights in the US and Canada, limiting access to live local games. While the stream might be available in other states, local fans are often blocked from viewing live broadcasts of their home team. This blackout strategy is a balancing act between local market rules and exclusive national broadcasting deals designed to encourage fans to attend games in person.

At the start of each season, various broadcasters establish streaming agreements, designating which teams’ games will be nationally televised and which not. Since the streaming rights in the US and Canada are exclusive, some NBA games cannot be livestreamed until they have aired. Consequently, not only are games of your local team affected by blackouts, but most local matches become unavailable.

These NBA blackouts typically target games featuring local teams and those broadcast on cable TV channels. Simply put, NBA League Pass blackouts are meant for matches involving at least one team for each zip code. For instance, if you happen to be in Los Angeles, the system will pinpoint your location via your IP address and automatically block your access to Lakers and Clippers games.

Luckily, a premium VPN can be used to go around the blackout restrictions on NBA League Pass. By connecting to a VPN server in a state where the game isn’t restricted, you can stream the match as if you were located in that region. That said, when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions, NordVPN is an all-star companion. With nearly 2,000 servers across the US, this is one of the best choices for staying one step ahead of the game.

Best VPNs for NBA League Pass streaming: overview

1. NordVPN – the best NBA League Pass VPN with most US servers
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN to bypass NBA League Pass blackout in US and Canada
3. Private VPN – good VPN for NBA League Pass streaming without interruptions
4. ExpressVPN – security-focused NBA League Pass VPN
5. CyberGhost – VPN for NBA League Pass with strong privacy suite

The VPN space is riddled with cheap imitations, which makes it harder to find the best VPN for NBA League Pass. I tested 29 providers to determine which providers are capable of bypassing blackouts. Ultimately, I picked the Top 5 NBA League Pass VPNs based on global coverage, geo-block circumvention, streaming speed, device compatibility, security features, and affordability.

1. NordVPN – the fastest NBA League Pass VPN with 2000+ servers in US

NordVPN is the best VPN for bypassing NBA League Pass blackouts and accessing NBA TV without restrictions. With over 2000 servers across the US, including states where local games are streamed, NordVPN's extensive network of 6900+ servers in 113 countries ensures you can easily sidestep blackouts.

NordVPN’s extensive network of 6900+ servers in 113 countries ensures you can easily sidestep blackouts. While attempting to watch Game 2 of the Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics finals from Tulsa, I connected to a server in Austin. This not only circumvented the blackout but also provided a buffer-free streaming experience in full HD on my Mac, all thanks to the power duo that is NordVPN’s default NordLynx protocol and NBA League Pass.

Another great thing about NordVPN is that you can watch NBA games on your PC, mobile device, or smart TV. If your gaming console or smart TV doesn't support VPNs, you can use its SmartPlay feature, which is compatible with routers and works with most streaming devices, including Amazon Fire Stick and Android TV. Plus, if your whole family wants to join in on the action, you can connect up to 10 devices per account.

The fastest and most capable NBA League Pass VPN can be yours for $2.99/month. Of course, don’t forget to take a look at NordVPN coupons lest you find a better bargain. If you’re not convinced yet, don’t mind taking advantage of the 7-day free trial (for Android users only) or the 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

2. Surfshark – affordable VPN for NBA League Pass

Surfshark is another excellent NBA League Pass VPN, featuring 600+ WireGuard-powered servers in the US alone, all of them running through 10 Gbps fiber optics cables. This robust infrastructure ensures fast and reliable connections, minimizing buffering and lag, which is essential for a seamless streaming experience during live NBA games.

To catch the Pacers vs Celtics Game 2 in the Conference finals, I connected to a server in Illinois. As anticipated, Surfshark successfully bypassed the blackouts, delivering a memorable streaming experience for the thrilling tit-for-tat match.

Surfshark has router support and unblocks NBA games on smart TVs like Apple TV and Android TV, on top of the usual PC and mobile devices. Besides, you get Unlimited simultaneous connections, so your family and friends can bypass NBA blackouts or access other exclusive content, too. Above all, Surfshark concluded my testing with great results as I experienced a few buffers across a variety of devices.

Surfshark is a fantastic NBA League Pass VPN. Besides boasting one of the cheapest plans on the market, starting at $2.19/month. Naturally, the 7-day free trial allows you to test the waters before fully committing to the service. And, should you change your mind, there’s always a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

3. Proton VPN – reliable NBA League Pass VPN with optimal streaming performance

Proton VPN is an excellent choice for bypassing NBA League Pass blackouts. With over 9200 servers in more than 110 countries, including over 400 servers in the US, users can easily connect to regions with no blackout restrictions and catch all live games.

To test how Proton VPN handles NBA League Pass blackouts, I watched the Knicks vs Pacers Game 3 using a server in New York City, retaining up to 84% of my original internet speed. This impressive performance is thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol and Proton’s 10 Gbps servers. For those in Europe, Proton’s VPN Accelerator technology ensures fast and stable connections, making it perfect for streaming live NBA games, even from distant locations.

Proton VPN prioritizes security and privacy with AES-256 encryption and a strict no-log policy, ensuring your online activities remain private. It features kill switches, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and NetShield, which blocks ads and malware. So you can watch your games without annoying ads and potentially dangerous malware. Beyond NBA League Pass, Proton VPN also unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Proton VPN is yet another great option if you want to bypass NBA League Pass restrictions. The provider grants free servers in the US, Netherlands, Romania, and Poland, making it accessible for basic streaming and browsing. However, upgrading to its premium version, starting at $3.59/month, unlocks access to the full range of servers and features. You can also explore all these benefits risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

4. IPVanish VPN – secure VPN for bypassing NBA blackouts in US

IPVanish VPN is a robust choice for getting around NBA League Pass blackouts. It has over 2200 servers in 51+ locations worldwide. This includes more than 1,200 servers across the United States, including California, Florida, and Massachusetts.

In my test, IPVanish VPN retained 83% of my internet speed while watching Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Game 5 via NBA League Pass. A large server network made it easy to access restricted basketball games. But, it was IPVanish’s lightweight WireGuard protocol that did the heavy lifting when it comes to smooth, lag-free streaming quality.

IPVanish offers significant security features, like AES-256 encryption, an independently audited no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection, to keep your online activities private. The service also includes a kill switch to protect your data in case of a connection drop, which is vital when streaming content. IPVanish also unblocks popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer to access a wide range of entertainment options.

Make no mistake: IPVanish is an agile NBA League Pass VPN, starting at a budget-friendly $2.19/month. Not to mention its 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a fantastic choice for basketball fans. IPVanish supports various operating systems and devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, so you can take NBA games with you – no matter where you are.

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

5. CyberGhost – cheapest NBA League Pass VPN with great global coverage

CyberGhost is the most affordable NBA League Pass VPN on the list. But don’t let the price fool you — there’s no hidden catch. With over 11700+ servers in 100 countries, including 1420 in the US and 269 in Canada, it has proven to be highly effective at bypassing blackouts.

To see what this provider is really made of, I attempted to see the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks final matchup in the semifinals via a server in California. Predictably, I was able to bypass NBA League Pass blackout and secure myself a digital courtside seat. Thanks to its industry-leading WireGuard protocol, the connection speed at around 83% was on par with the fast-paced match on the screen.

The service offers easy-to-use Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps. Also, you get bonus setup options for routers, which means streaming on smart TVs like Amazon FireStick TV. Kudos to CyberGhost for implementing streaming dedicated servers that enhance your NBA viewing sessions. And, of course, you get 7 simultaneous connections to access and watch NBA games with friends and family.

CyberGhost is one of the cheapest VPNs for NBA League Pass. Starting at a budget-friendly $2.19/month, it also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee, in case you have any doubts.

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

Best NBA League Pass VPNs compared

Can I watch NBA TV on League Pass?

If you're looking to catch out-of-market NBA games, NBA League Pass offers the most extensive access. With it, you can stream games live or on-demand and enjoy 24/7 NBA TV coverage. In case you don’t know what NBA TV is, it’s a premium channel running from 1999, packed with all things basketball – from press conferences to Shaquille O'Neal-starring shows like "Inside the NBA" and in-depth league analysis. However, both NBA League Pass and NBA TV are subject to blackout restrictions, meaning local games may still be unavailable.

• NBA TV. It’s the go-to channel that features basketball-related content, including live games, in-depth analysis, breaking news, highlights, player interviews, and more. Besides local blackout restrictions, you also have limited viewing options (around 130 games are available for live streaming per season).A monthly subscription costs $6.99/month, but you can also opt for season-long service at $59.99.
• NBA League Pass. It’s a streaming package (like TNT or ESPN) with the local coverage of every non-nationally televised game. League Pass allows you to watch every live game save for the blackout ones, before they’re archived.A monthly subscription costs $14.99/month, while the annual option, which includes NBA TV, costs $99.99.

If you want a full-fledged NBA experience from your couch, NBA League Pass is your best bet. A full live-streaming service is provided during games, and a full archive of the remaining games is available at the end of the season.

NBA League Pass blackout workaround

A VPN is a great tool for bypassing NBA League Pass geo-restrictions. Since the site uses your IP to track your location, a VPN can make it seem like you're watching from a different state. For example, if you're in Los Angeles and a Lakers game is blacked out for you, all it takes is to connect to a server in Chicago or New York. Just like that, you’ll be watching LeBron James from the courtside with no annoying blackouts blocking the hype.

Unfortunately, blackouts aren’t the only barriers you’ll encounter when trying to watch NBA games. That’s because NBA League Pass doesn’t stream a majority of the games until they’ve finished airing. Other sports streaming websites like ESPN and TSN are geo-blocked in the United States and Canada.

If you're worried that this sounds a bit illegal – send those worries to the bench. While using a VPN to bypass regional blackouts does violate NBA League Pass's Terms of Use, there's no legal risk involved. That said, NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for bypassing NBA blackouts, thanks to its large server network and robust security. When you connect to a US server, the VPN’s encryption masks your true location, tricking NBA League Pass into thinking you’re in the right area, so you can stream your favorite games without blackout restrictions!

Watch any game with NordVPN

How to get around the NBA League Pass blackout on desktop?

Dealing with geographical barriers on NBA League Pass is easy with a VPN. All you have to do is grab your Windows or Mac device and follow these instructions:

1. Get a reliable VPN for NBA League Pass. I recommend NordVPN, which unblocks all NBA blackouts.
2. Download and install VPN software on your device.
   
   
3. Connect to a server where your NBA team is playing (e.g., Chicago or New York in the US).
4. Register a new NBA League Pass account or log into an existing one.
5.  Relax and tune into NBA matches without blackouts!

Stream NBA games with the best VPN

How to bypass the NBA League Pass blackout on mobile

The most reliable way to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts on mobile is by using a VPN. The NBA League Pass app determines your location using GPS location, not your IP address. This is where top-tier VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN come into play, allowing you to change your IP location with a few simple taps on the screen.

1. Download the VPN app from Apple or Google Play store. I recommend Surfshark because it’s fairly easy to use and has over 600 servers in the US.
2. Log into the app and turn on ‘Override GPS Location’ in the settings menu.
3. Grant your VPN app GPS privileges. This can be done by going into your phone’s settings (Privacy & Security settings on iPhones) and opening Developer options tab. 
4. Find ‘Mock Location App’ in the settings and select your VPN app.
5. Open your VPN app and connect to a server where the NBA match is not blacked out (for example, Florida or California).
6. Clear the cache on your NBA League Pass app. You can do this in your device’s app settings.
7. Enjoy NBA League Pass games on your mobile!

Get Surfshark to watch NBA games on your phone

How to watch NBA games without cable?

The best way to watch NBA games without cable is through streaming services. Now, there are several options out there, including NBA League Pass, ESPN+, Sling TV, and Fubo, if you want to cut the cord:

• NBA League Pass ($14.99/month). It’s the official NBA streaming service. It provides access to live and on-demand NBA games, some only after being archived.
• ESPN+ ($11.99/month). A separate subscription service that offers additional sports content, including NBA games.
• Sling TV ($55.00/month). As an add-on, you can watch out-of-market NBA games with the NBA League Pass.
• Fubo ($79.99/month). Comes with a wide range of sports channels, including NBA games.
• YouTube TV ($72.99/month). Includes channels like ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV in its sports package.
• TNT Network ($82.99/month). It broadcasts NBA games with weekly doubleheaders on Tuesdays and Thursdays, complemented by the Inside the NBA studio show.
• Hulu + Live TV ($75.99/month). Provides access to ESPN, TNT, ABC, and other NBA channels.

Don’t forget that blackout restrictions will apply to some games even with a streaming service in tow. If you wish to watch NBA games without cable live and deal with blackouts, you need a reliable NBA League Pass VPN like NordVPN.

NBA League Pass VPN not working: steps to take

Despite following all the guides carefully, you might still find that your VPN fails to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts. If you encounter the 7027 error, it indicates that NBA League Pass has detected your VPN. In this case, try switching to a different VPN server, as the current IP address may be blocked. However, for the infamous 3312 error, changing your VPN server to a location outside the blackout area should do the trick.

If your NBA League Pass is still not working, here’s a few things you can do:

• Try different servers. You might have landed on an already blacked-out IP. In that case, switch to another server and try to access the NBA stream. Though the most obvious, this fix is the most common and helpful.
• Clear browser cookies and cache. Cache files store data like your actual location. Worse yet, streaming services may read this information and find a mismatch between your location and the currently displayed IP. As a result, this can prevent your VPN from successfully bypassing NBA blackouts.
• Check for IP and DNS leaks. A streaming platform may also block you from accessing it if your real whereabouts are detected through IP or DNS leaks. Check for them on websites like ipleak.net with a VPN NBA on. Reset your internet connection or perform a DNS flush if leaks are confirmed.
• Change tunneling protocol. Sometimes, tunneling fails, so switch to a more stable protocol, like IKEv2.
• Reinstall the VPN app. The service may malfunction if your VPN isn't up to date. Make sure it’s the latest version, or reinstall the app altogether.
• Customer support. If all fixes fail or you don’t want the hassle, contact customer support.

None of these issues will likely occur with a top-notch service like NordVPN. It gets extensive attention from developers, ensuring you receive highly functional software with regular updates.

Schedule of NBA preseason games

Here is the schedule of upcoming NBA games:

Preseason		Preseason
Nuggets	Oct 4, 12.00 PM	Timberwolves	Oct 4, 10.30 PM
Celtics	Oct 4, 12.00 PM	Lakers	Oct 4, 10.30 PM
Preseason		Preseason
Celtics	Oct 6, 10.00 AM	Knicks	Oct 6, 5.00 PM
Nuggets	Oct 6, 10.00 AM	Hornets	Oct 6, 5.00 PM
Preseason		Preseason
Wizards	Oct 6, 7.30 PM	Suns	Oct 6, 9.30 PM
Raptors	Oct 6, 7.30 PM	Lakers	Oct 6, 9.30 PM
Preseason		Preseason
Magic	Oct 7, 1.30 PM	Grizzlies	Oct 7, 8.00 PM
Pelicans	Oct 7, 1.30 PM	Mavericks	Oct 7, 8.00 PM
Preseason		Preseason
Thunder	Oct 7, 8.00 PM	Rockets	Oct 7, 9.00 PM
Spurs	Oct 7, 8.00 PM	Jazz	Oct 7, 9.00 PM
Preseason		Preseason
Heat	Oct 8, 7.00 PM	Bulls	Oct 8, 7.00 PM
Hornets	Oct 8, 7.00 PM	Cavaliers	Oct 8, 7.00 PM
Preseason		Preseason
Pacers	Oct 8, 7.30 PM	Nets	Oct 8, 10.30 PM
Hawks	Oct 8, 7.30 PM	Clippers	Oct 8, 10.30 PM
Preseason		Preseason
Orlando Magic	Oct 9, 8:00 PM	Houston Rockets	Oct 9, 8:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs	Oct 9, 8:00 PM	Oklahoma City Thunder	Oct 9, 8:00 PM

Stream NBA games with NordVPN

Bottom line

NBA League Pass is a great way for NBA enthusiasts to catch all of the most important NBA matches of the season. However, even with a subscription, some games may be unavailable due to blackouts and geographic restrictions. Luckily, a reliable NBA League Pass VPN can help you overcome these restrictions and give you a courtside seat no matter where you're located.

NordVPN is the best VPN for NBA League Pass, NBA TV, and other sports streaming platforms. With over 2000 servers spread across the US, powered by the industry-leading NordLynx protocol, NordVPN is a real MVP when it comes to bypassing NBA blackouts. It does so by giving a boost to your digital security. Additionally, NordVPN has a great track record of accessing region-locked streaming platform content that should keep you entertained while you wait for the next big game.

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FAQ

Why can't I watch NBA games on NBA League Pass?

You might not be able to watch all NBA games on your NBA League Pass due to the blackout restrictions. These blackouts occur because local and national broadcasters hold exclusive rights to live game coverage based on your location. To avoid missing your favorite local team’s games, using a reliable VPN like NordVPN with a wide range of servers across the US is the best solution.

Does NBA League Pass work with VPN?

Yes, NBA League Pass works smoothly with a VPN, but it’s crucial to choose a top-tier VPN like NordVPN because the NBA employs advanced geo-detection systems. A reliable provider with numerous US servers, AES-256 encryption, and industry-standard tunneling protocols guarantees a thrilling NBA League Pass experience.

How to bypass NBA League Pass blackout?

If you wish to watch NBA games without cable live and deal with blackouts, you need a VPN. Ensure the service is running and connected to the necessary server before accessing an NBA streaming platform like ESPN+ or NBA League Pass.

How to change VPN location on NBA League Pass?

The easiest way to change your virtual location on NBA League Pass is by using a top-tier VPN. A VPN allows you to mask your actual IP address and appear as if you're in a different state. By connecting to a server in another location, you can bypass geo-restrictions and blackout rules, giving you unlimited access to all NBA games.

Does NBA League Pass detect VPN?

Yes, NBA has an advanced geo-detection system that's capable of detecting the use of a VPN. And while it's against NBA League Pass' Terms of Use, you can't get into legal trouble for it. That said, leading NBA League Pass VPNs, like NordVPN and Surfshark, are capable of bypassing those defenses by using military-grade encryption and advanced tunneling protocols.

How does NBA League Pass determine your location?

NBA has a sophisticated geo-detection system that ensures subscribers can only view certain games based on their physical location. It primarily uses your IP address and device location services (GPS) to determine your whereabouts, but it may also use Wi-Fi network information or billing address.

How to get around NBA TV blackouts?

The best solution to NBA TV blackouts is a VPN. These blackouts occur based on your physical location, but a VPN lets you change your virtual location to another state. Simply head to your chosen NBA League Pass VPN app like NordVPN and select a server in a state where your desired game is not blacked out.