Best NBA League Pass VPNs: get around blackout restrictions in 2026

After testing 19 VPNs, NordVPN stood out as the best NBA League Pass VPN as it offers close to 2,000 servers in the US and is excellent at bypassing regional restrictions and blackouts.

The 80th NBA season has already started on October 21, 2025, and basketball fans are looking for the best ways to stream their favorite team’s games. However, there’s an issue that NBA fans in the US and Canada often run into – all NBA games are available live with the NBA League Pass in every country except the US and Canada due to blackouts. These blackouts exist because local or national broadcasters hold exclusive rights to air certain games in specific regions.

Fortunately, you can bypass NBA League Pass blackouts using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN lets you change your virtual location to anywhere outside the blackout zones, giving you unrestricted access to live NBA games.

However, not all VPNs work for NBA League Pass. Many fail to bypass blackout restrictions or deliver slow streaming speeds. After testing and researching, I found the top NBA League Pass VPNs – all of them easily accessed the site and gave me a smooth streaming experience. In this guide, you’ll learn all about my top NBA League VPN choices, and I’ll share my tips on how to use them to access NBA blackout games from anywhere.

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5 best VPNs for NBA League Pass

1. NordVPN

   Overall best NBA League Pass VPN in 2026
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Affordable VPN to bypass NBA League Pass blackout
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Secure streaming VPN for NBA League Pass
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Cheapest VPN for watching NBA live online
   8.2
5. Norton VPN

   Easy-to-use NBA VPN with servers outside blackout restrictions
   7.3

Note. NBA’s mobile app now requires location permissions, which prevent VPNs from bypassing blackout restrictions. iPhone users are particularly affected by this change, as some report that VPNs don’t work on the app at all. However, you can try using your phone’s web browser instead of the app, which may circumvent location restrictions. Alternatively, you can use a VPN with GPS spoofing capabilities, such as Surfshark.

Why does NBA League Pass blackout local games?

NBA League Pass uses blackout restrictions to protect the exclusive broadcasting rights held by local or regional sports networks (RSNs). Both local blackout restrictions and national blackouts may be applied to encourage fans to either attend a stadium or sign up for a specific platform.

Local blackouts occur because regional broadcasters hold exclusive rights to air games in their areas. When a game is shown on a local network, NBA League Pass blocks it to avoid competing with that coverage. For example, if you’re in Los Angeles, you won’t be able to stream Lakers or Clippers games on NBA League Pass while they air locally. These restrictions protect local TV networks that depend on exclusive broadcasts to attract viewers. Meanwhile, national blackouts cover games televised by ESPN, ABC, or TNT. NBA League Pass also includes NBA TV, which airs many matchups but enforces blackout rules for certain marquee or local games.

If you try to watch a blacked-out game, you’ll see: “This game is not available LIVE on NBA League Pass because it’s being broadcast in your local market.” The NBA uses your IP address to detect location and enforce the blackout.

To watch every game on NBA League Pass without interruptions, use a VPN. Connecting to a region where the game isn’t blacked out bypasses these restrictions and allows you to access all games, no matter your location.

Best NBA League Pass VPNs: a detailed analysis

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for NBA League Pass live streaming in 2026
2. Surfshark – low-cost NBA League Pass VPN service
3. Proton VPN – reliable VPN to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts
4. TotalVPN – the cheapest NBA VPN to stream all games live
5. Norton VPN – a user-friendly VPN to bypass NBA blackouts

To bypass NBA League Pass blackouts, you'll need a robust VPN service that allows you to connect to a server in a different location that does not limit access to certain NBA games. However, not all VPNs guarantee successful access to NBA League Pass. After testing 19 VPNs, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and Norton stood out as the best VPNs for NBA League Pass in 2026. These VPNs bypass local blackout restrictions, provide fast connections, and have a wide range of US servers. Plus, selected VPNs keep your data secure with advanced encryption so you can watch NBA games in peace.

Top 1. NordVPN – the best NBA League Pass VPN to watch local teams without blackouts

NordVPN is the best VPN for NBA League Pass that can effortlessly unblock any blackout NBA game. With robust security features, fast speeds, leak protection, and over 2,000 servers across the US, NordVPN ensures a smooth and seamless streaming experience.

Servers. NordVPN offers 9,300+ servers in 137 countries, including nearly 2,000 servers across 16 locations in the US and more than 480 servers in 3 locations in Canada. With such a list, I had no issues bypassing NBA blackouts, while finding the right servers proved to be very easy, thanks to the extensive and easy-to-navigate server list.

Speed. When I connected to a US server in Austin to watch the Lakers take on the Warriors, I was impressed by the speed - NordVPN maintained 87% of my original download rate, making HD streaming seamless. Thanks to NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol, which optimizes for high-speed streaming, I enjoyed the game without buffering.

Compatibility. NordVPN lets you watch NBA League Pass 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 you can connect up to 10 devices per account.

Get NordVPN, the fastest and most reliable NBA League Pass VPN, for only $3.09/month. It easily bypasses blackouts and ensures smooth HD streaming of every game. Don’t forget to check the latest NordVPN coupons - you could unlock an even better deal. If you’re not convinced yet, take advantage of the 3-day free trial (for Android users only) and the 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

Top 2. Surfshark – affordable VPN for NBA League Pass

Surfshark effortlessly unblocks blackout games, allowing access to NBA League Pass content with advanced security features, fast speeds, and privacy protection. With over 4,500 servers worldwide and streaming-optimized servers, it offers smooth streaming experiences without compromising privacy.

Servers. Surfshark's 600+ US servers and 120+ Canadian servers provide reliable connections, allowing you to unblock YouTube TV+, Hulu + Live TV, and more. WireGuard-powered servers offer faster connections, allowing you to bypass blackouts on NBA League Pass. WireGuard-powered servers offer faster connections, which is ideal for streaming live NBA games. Plus, I had a great experience using Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature with devices that do not support VPN in a traditional way.

Speed. Surfshark’s download speed retention averages around 81%, making it a fast option for NBA League Pass. For instance, I connected to a server in Illinois to catch the Lakers vs. Kings game in preseason matchups. Surfshark bypassed the blackout smoothly, letting me enjoy every moment of the match without interruptions. In fact, Surfshark’s speeds would work great for any online activity, making it a very universal service.

Compatibility. 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. Additionally, with Surfshark, you get unlimited simultaneous connections, so your family and friends can bypass NBA blackouts or access other exclusive content.

Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice for NBA League Pass, offering strong streaming performance at one of the lowest prices, starting at just $1.99/month. The 7-day free trial allows you to test the waters before fully committing to the service. If 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.

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

Proton VPN is an excellent choice for bypassing NBA League Pass blackouts in 2026, making it easy to catch every game, even if you’re in a blackout zone. Streaming with Proton VPN is smooth, thanks to its powerful security features, high-speed connections, and leak protection.

Servers. Proton VPN has over 20,075 servers in more than 145 countries, including 2,280 servers in the US and 419 in Canada. This huge network made it easy for me to swiftly change my location outside restricted areas and bypass NBA blackouts anytime. I found Proton VPN to be quite fast, and it is because it uses the speedy WireGuard tunneling protocol, designed for bandwidth-heavy activities, such as streaming. Plus, you can use Proton’s VPN Accelerator feature that can boost your connection speeds up to 4 times if you run into a slower connection.

Speed. When I tested, I achieved an 81% download speed retention rate while connected to a US server, allowing me to stream without buffering or interruptions. For example, during a recent matchup between the Knicks and Hornets, I connected to a server in Los Angeles. Overall, I had a nice experience and streamed the game smoothly and without lag.

Compatibility. Proton VPN lets you watch NBA League Pass games on your PC, mobile device, or smart TV. If your gaming console or smart TV doesn’t directly support VPNs, Proton VPN can be configured on compatible routers, making it easy to stream through most devices, including Amazon Fire Stick and Android TV. Plus, Proton VPN supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections per account, so you can stream NBA games on the NBA League Pass on all your devices.

You can also try using Proton VPN’s free version to bypass NBA blackouts, as it has free US, Netherlands, Romania, Japan, and Poland servers to unlock restricted games.. However, upgrading to its premium version, starting at $2.99/month, unlocks access to the full range of servers and features, as well as significantly better streaming quality. You can also explore all these benefits risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Top 4. TotalVPN – secure VPN for bypassing NBA blackouts in the US

TotalVPN is a reliable alternative to NBA League Pass blackouts due to its cheap subscription prices, tested capabilities at bypassing NBA blackouts, and suitability for beginner VPN users. TotalVPN is a secure VPN that also works for streaming and offers servers in the US and Canada for bypassing NBA blackouts.

Servers. TotalVPN operates over thousands of servers across 90+ locations worldwide, including servers in 12 US locations and 1 Canadian location.. While this is a comparatively small server fleet, I still had no issues finding the right servers to bypass the NBA blackouts I encountered.

Speed. In my tests, TotalVPN maintained 78% of my base internet speed while streaming the Heat vs. Grizzlies game on NBA League Pass. The mid-sized server network made it easy to access the game outside the blackout restriction zone, while the reliable OpenVPN tunneling protocol ensured a smooth connection at all times.

Compatibility. TotalVPN is pretty versatile and compatible with desktops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and VPN routers. It supports all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Android. With TotalVPN, you can get up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is more than enough to stream blackout NBA games on all your devices.

With TotalVPN, you can access NBA League Pass for a budget-friendly $1.59/month. Not to mention its 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free choice for basketball fans.

Top 5. NortonVPN – user-friendly VPN to bypass NBA blackouts

Norton VPN is one of the most user-friendly VPN you can use to bypass NBA blackouts. With a good-sized network and robust privacy tools, Norton VPN easily unblocks restricted NBA games. Norton VPN has streaming-optimized servers in the US and Canada, perfect for a smooth live streaming experience.

Servers. Norton VPN has around 2,000 servers in 65 countries, and covers 25 cities in the US and 4 in Canada. This made it very easy for me to switch my location according to NBA blackouts and stream the restricted games. For instance, when I used Norton VPN’s server in California to stream the Jazz vs. Trailblazers game, I had a very smooth and pleasant experience.

Speed. Norton VPN’s use of the WireGuard protocol, paired with its streaming-optimized servers, ensures consistently high-speed connections ideal for streaming. In my tests, it retained 76% of my base internet speed, delivering smooth, high-quality video with no buffering during key plays.

Compatibility. Norton VPN is highly versatile, offering easy-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The VPN supports routers, allowing NBA streaming on smart TVs like the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV. With DNS and IP leak protection, Norton VPN keeps your connection secure on all devices. Plus, it allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, so you can watch multiple screens.

Norton VPN offers budget-friendly NBA League Pass bypass plans, starting at just $3.33/month. The plan also includes a 60-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to test its features.

Best NBA League Pass VPNs compared

NBA League Pass blackout workaround

A VPN is the only way to bypass 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, you can use a server in Chicago or New York to access a blacked out Lakers game.

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.

Despite violating NBA League Pass' Terms of Use by using a VPN to bypass regional blackouts, there are no legal repercussions. NBA League Pass may block a VPN server's IP address if it detects that too many people are using it, but it will not block your account. If this happens, you can try disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN app to obtain a new IP address.

Here is a detailed guide on how to get around the NBA League Pass blackout on your Windows or Mac device with a VPN:

Step 1. Get a reliable NBA League Pass VPN

Not all VPNs are capable of bypassing blackouts on NBA League Pass and delivering a smooth streaming experience. That’s why it is so important to choose a reliable, streaming-optimized, and secure NBA League Pass VPN if you want guaranteed access to the NBA matchups. From my experience, NordVPN proved to be the best NBA League Pass VPN, as it easily bypassed blackouts in any location, stayed undetected by the platform, and gave me a smooth, high-quality live streaming experience.

Step 2. Download and install the VPN app on your device

You can stream the NBA League Pass content on plenty of devices, including laptops, smartphones, streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, gaming consoles, and even Apple Vision Pro, which offers additional AR features. Once you choose your preferred streaming device, download the correct VPN app directly from your provider’s official website, or get the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for mobile devices.

Step 3. Connect to a server outside the blackout region

Switching your virtual location is crucial to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts, as they are tied directly to your area. To get the smoothest experience and the fastest connection speeds, always choose a server that’s physically closest to you. So, if you want to stream the blackout Houston Rockets game, connect to a VPN in New Orleans, and if you want to catch the Boston Celtics without restrictions, connect to New York or Toronto. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best server locations to avoid all NBA blackouts for every team:

With the VPN connected and your traffic secure, head to the NBA League Pass and select the game you want to watch. Now, you should be able to access all previously blacked-out games without restrictions.

However, if the game is this blacked out, try clearing your browser cookies and cache, as they may be exposing your real location. Once you do that, refresh the page and try again. If that doesn’t help, connect to a different server in the same location – this usually solves most issues with VPN connectivity and operation.

Live stream all NBA games without blackouts with NordVPN

How to use VPN with NBA League Pass on mobile - a detailed guide

Using a VPN on your mobile phone lets you access NBA League Pass blackout games by changing your IP address to one outside the blackout region. However, the NBA League Pass app determines your location using GPS location, not your IP address. This is where high-quality VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN come into play, allowing you to change your IP location with a few simple taps on the screen. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1. Get a reliable VPN with GPS spoofing

First, choose an NBA League Pass VPN with plenty of servers across the US and Canada, but also supports GPS spoofing (if you’re mobile). I recommend Surfshark VPN as it has a large server network and robust privacy features. Sign up and install the VPN on your preferred device.

Step 2. Turn on the overriding GPS location

Enable "Override GPS Location" on your mobile device. This feature lets the VPN change your GPS coordinates to match the VPN server location, making it more difficult for NBA League Pass to detect your actual location.

Step 3. Connect to a server in a non-blackout region

Open the VPN app and connect to a server located in a state or region where your NBA game isn’t restricted. For example, if the game is blacked out in New York, connect to a server in a different state like Texas. This switch will make it appear like you’re watching from outside the blackout zone.

Step 4. Clear your cache or use incognito mode

To prevent location-based data from revealing your actual location, clear your browser’s cache or switch to incognito mode. This step minimizes the chances of the app or site detecting your true location via saved cookies or cached data.

Step 5. Open NBA League Pass and start streaming

With the VPN fully set up and running open NBA League Pass, log in, and start watching your games!

Get Surfshark to watch NBA games on your phone

Can I watch NBA TV on League Pass?

NBA League Pass is designed for fans to watch NBA games for teams outside their local area. Meanwhile, NBA TV provides a 24-hour streaming service along with show archives. This includes exclusive content such as interviews, press conferences, NBA TV games, and live events. 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 for 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). Subscriptions for NBA TV start at $8.99/month.
• NBA League Pass. It’s a streaming package (like TNT or ESPN) with local coverage of every non-nationally televised game. League Pass lets you watch every live game except the blackout matches before the archive. A monthly subscription costs $16.99/month, while the annual option, which includes NBA TV, costs $109.99.

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 complete archive of the remaining games is available at the end of the season.

How to watch NBA games without cable?

NBA games without cable are best watched through streaming services. Now, there are several options out there, including NBA League Pass, ESPN+, Sling TV, and Fubo, so you don't have to subscribe to cable:

• NBA League Pass ($16.99/month). It’s the official NBA streaming service. NBA games are available both live and on-demand, some only after they have been archived.
• ESPN+ ($11.99/month). Subscription service offering NBA games and additional sports content.
• Sling TV ($45.99/month). As an add-on, you can watch out-of-market NBA games with the NBA League Pass.
• Fubo ($84.99/month). Comes with a wide range of sports channels, including NBA games.
• YouTube TV ($82.99/month). Sports packages include ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV.
• Hulu + Live TV ($82.99/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. To watch NBA League Pass games without cable and avoid blackouts, you need a reliable NBA League Pass VPN like NordVPN.

NBA League Pass VPN not working: steps to take

If your NBA League Pass isn’t working with a VPN, it may be due to the service blocking the IP address of your VPN server. While NBA League Pass doesn’t prohibit VPN usage, itthey might restrict access if it detects excessive usage. To resolve this issue, try disconnecting from the VPN app and reconnecting, which typically gives you a new IP address. Other common errors include

The 7027 error indicates that NBA League Pass has detected your VPN - 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 work.

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

• Reconnect the VPN service. If you encounter connection issues, try disconnecting and reconnecting the VPN. Make sure the app is updated to the latest version, or consider reinstalling it altogether, as recent updates may sometimes cause temporary connectivity problems.
• Try different servers. The IP address you are using might be blacked out. In that case, switch to another server and try to access the NBA stream. This fix is the most common and helpful solution.
• Clear browser cookies and cache. Cache files store data like your actual location. Further, streaming services may use this information and find that your location and the IP address that is currently displayed do not match. As a result, this can prevent your VPN from bypassing NBA blackouts.
• Check for IP and DNS leaks. A streaming platform may also block you if your real whereabouts are detected through IP or DNS leaks. Check for them using websites like ipleak.net with a VPN for NBA connected. 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.
• Customer support. Contact customer support if all fixes fail or you don’t want the hassle.

None of these issues will likely occur with a high-quality service like NordVPN.

Get best NBA League Pass VPN

Schedule of the NBA 2025/26 season games

Here is the schedule of upcoming NBA games:

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Bottom line

NBA League Pass is a streaming platform offering the most comprehensive coverage of NBA content, including live broadcasts and additional features. However, fans in the US and Canada often encounter blackout restrictions, making some games unavailable on NBA League Pass due to local broadcasters holding exclusive rights to air them.

Fortunately, you can bypass NBA blackout restrictions by using an NBA League Pass VPN to change your virtual location via a server connection and stream all NBA games without restrictions. I found the top 5 best NBA League Pass VPNs that offer the best experience with the platform – NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and Norton VPN. However, NordVPN stood out as the best option, due to the choice of servers in the US and Canada, exceptional blackout bypass capabilities, and the fastest connection speeds.

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You may also like to read:
How to watch NBA games online
How to watch NBA All-Star game online
Watch out-of-market NFL games online
Best VPN for MLB.tv to bypass blackout
Learn how to bypass sports blackouts
How to get around blackout restrictions on Sling TV

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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 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 VPN work on NBA League Pass?

Yes, VPNs work on NBA League Pass, but you need to choose a quality service. A reliable NBA League Pass VPN, like NordVPN, can bypass NBA blackouts by changing your virtual location. However, poorer-quality VPNs may get detected by NBA League Pass and get blocked by the platform. Using a VPN with NBA League Pass may also violate the platform’s terms of service.

Does NBA League Pass block VPN?

No, NBA League Pass doesn’t block VPNs outright, but it may block specific VPN server IPs if it detects too many users connecting to the same one. I recommend NordVPN to avoid this problem. It has a large server network and advanced obfuscation features to bypass IP blocks. Additionally, a dedicated IP address ensures smooth streaming without restrictions or being noticed and flagged as overused.

How to get around NBA League Pass blackout?

To bypass NBA League Pass blackouts, use a virtual private network (VPN) to change your IP address to a region located outside the blackout region. However, not all VPNs can effectively bypass NBA League Pass restrictions. High-quality services like NordVPN and Surfshark VPN can successfully overcome these VPN blocks based on my tests, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted access to your favorite games.

How does NBA League Pass determine your location?

NBA League Pass determines your location using your IP address, which reveals your physical location to enforce blackout restrictions. If a game is being broadcast locally or nationally, League Pass may block access in your area to comply with licensing agreements. To bypass these restrictions, you can use a VPN like NordVPN. This VPN changes your IP address to make it appear like you’re in a location where the game isn’t blacked out, allowing unrestricted access to NBA streams.

Does NBA TV have blackouts?

Yes, NBA TV has blackouts in the US and Canada, due to local broadcasters owning the rights to air certain games in specific areas. To avoid running into NBA TV blackouts, you can use a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, to switch your location any time you encounter a blacked-out game. This way, you’ll be able to stream all NBA games without restrictions directly from your location.