How to Bypass NBA Blackouts Using a VPN
Using a VPN that works with NBA League Pass is the easiest way to live stream blackout NBA games.
By connecting to a VPN server, you can change your IP address to a location outside of the blackout region.
We found that you can watch nationally blacked-out games on NBA League Pass, like those covered by ESPN in the US, by connecting to a VPN server in the Netherlands or Germany.
For games subject to local blackout restrictions, we recommend connecting to a server in a nearby state instead. That way, your download speeds will remain as fast as possible.
To help you find the best server and VPN service for what you want to watch, use the table below:
Broadcast Channel | Blackout Region | Best VPN Server Location | Compatible VPNs |
---|---|---|---|
NBA League Pass & NBA TV | Local | Nearby state | ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN, Surfshark |
ESPN, TNT, ABC | National | Netherlands or Germany | ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN, Windscribe |
While setting up a VPN to bypass NBA blackouts is straightforward on Windows and Mac, it’s more complicated for other devices such as Roku and Android, which require many additional steps.
It’s also not possible to watch blackout NBA games on an iPhone or Apple TV, as these devices aren’t compatible with GPS spoofing apps.
In the following sections, we’ll show you step-by-step how to watch blackout NBA games on every possible platform.
EXPERT ADVICE: Despite claims from other websites, you don’t need to sign up for an international NBA League Pass account. Our methods for bypassing NBA blackouts work with your existing US-based NBA account.
How to Watch Blackout NBA Games on Desktop or Laptop (Windows and Mac)
To watch every NBA game on Windows and Mac, simply connect to a VPN server outside of the blackout territory and open NBA League Pass in your web browser.
Here’s step-by-step instructions on how to use a VPN to stream blackout NBA games on a laptop or computer:
- Sign up for a VPN service that works with NBA League Pass: ExpressVPN was the most reliable option in our tests.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server outside of the blackout region: For locally blacked-out games, connect to a server in a nearby US state. For nationally blacked-out games, connect to a server in the Netherlands or Germany.
- Open NBA League Pass in your web browser: You can use your existing US-based NBA account.
- Select the game you want to watch and start streaming: If the video doesn’t load or you encounter an error message, try our workarounds below.
Watch us using ExpressVPN to change our IP address location on NBA League Pass in the video below:

Using a VPN to bypass blackouts on NBA League Pass.
How to Bypass NBA League Pass Blackouts on Mobile (Android)
On the mobile app, NBA League Pass determines your location by using your GPS location, not your IP address location. Therefore, the vast majority of VPN services will not work.
Thankfully, a few VPNs can spoof your GPS location on Android devices. Surfshark and Windscribe are the only NBA League Pass VPNs that have this feature.
This method won’t work on an iPhone, though, as iOS prevents GPS spoofing. But there is a workaround for iPadOS.
Here’s how to use a VPN with NBA League Pass on Android:
- Sign up for a VPN with GPS spoofing functionality: We recommend Surfshark because of its global server network and easy-to-use apps.
- Install the VPN app by downloading it from the Google Play Store.
- Log in to your account and turn on Override GPS Location: Settings > VPN Settings > Advanced Settings > Override GPS Location > Let’s Go.
- Reveal Developer Options on your device: Navigate your device’s Settings > About Phone > Software Information > tap Build Number seven times.
- Grant the VPN app GPS privileges: Reopen the Settings app > Developer Options > Select Mock Location App > VPN name (e.g. Surfshark)
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server where the game is not blacked out: Your GPS coordinates will automatically match the location of the VPN server.
- Clear cache on the NBA app: Open Settings > Apps > NBA > Storage > Clear cache.
- Open the NBA app and select the game you want to watch: You’ll now have access to blacked-out games on the service.

Surfshark and Windscribe are the only VPNs with a fake GPS feature on Android.
EXPERT ADVICE: To stream geo-blocked NBA games on iPad, don’t use the NBA app as it checks your GPS location. Instead, access NBA League Pass through a web browser. This will not work on an iPhone, though.
How to Get Around NBA Blackouts on Amazon Fire TV
Accessing geo-blocked NBA games is easy on Firestick and Android TV devices. As long as your VPN service has an app for these streaming devices, simply open the app and connect to a server location where the game isn’t blacked out.
Here’s how to use a VPN to access geo-blocked NBA games on Firestick and Android TV:
- Subscribe to a VPN service that works with NBA League Pass: We recommend ExpressVPN for streaming devices.
- Download the VPN app from the Amazon Appstore or Google Play Store: You can use your US or Canada Amazon or Google account, so you won’t need to create a new one.
- Open the app and connect to a VPN server outside of the blackout region.
- Clear cache on the NBA app: On Fire TV, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Clear Cache. On Android TV, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > NBA > Clear cache > Ok.
- Open the NBA app and live stream the game you want to watch.

It’s simple to use a VPN to stream live NBA games on Fire TV.
How to Watch All NBA Games on Roku and Chromecast
You can’t install VPNs onto Roku or most Chromecast devices. These devices also don’t support manual DNS addresses, making them incompatible with Smart DNS tools.
The easiest way to bypass geo-blocks on Chromecast and Roku is by setting up a virtual router from your Windows PC.
Here’s how to share a VPN connection from your Windows PC to stream blackout NBA games on Roku and Chromecast:
- Sign up for an NBA League Pass VPN: We recommend using ExpressVPN to spoof your location on Chromecast and Roku.
- Download the VPN app onto your Windows computer.
- If using a Chromecast, download the NBA app onto your mobile: You won’t need to do this on Roku.
- Enable your PC’s virtual router: On your PC, open Command Prompt and type the following commands:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NETWORKNAME key=PASSWORD
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
- Find the name of your network: Press the Windows key + R. Type
ncpa.cpl
and press Enter. The name of your virtual router will be in bold. - Turn on the mobile hotspot: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot > on.
- Allow other devices to connect to your VPN: Return to the Network & Internet pane in settings and click Change adapter options. Right-click your VPN’s TAP Adapter and select Properties. Click Sharing and enable Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
- Broadcast your WiFi connection: Open the dropdown menu under Home networking connection and choose the name of your newly created network.
- Using the Windows VPN app, connect to a server outside of the blackout region: Your virtual router will automatically broadcast this server location.
- Connect your Roku or Chromecast to your virtual router network: You can do this from the Settings app on Roku or use the Google Home app on your phone for Chromecast.
- Open the NBA app on Roku or cast from the NBA mobile app for Chromecast: You’ll now be able to access every game on NBA League Pass.
EXPERT ADVICE: If you don’t have a Windows computer, you’ll have to use a VPN router. We recommend ExpressVPN’s Aircove router as it’s easy to set up and is cheaper than its alternatives.