Best NBA League Pass VPNs in 2024: How to Bypass NBA Blackouts

The 2023-2024 NBA season began on October 24, 2023, and is planned to conclude on April 14, 2024, bringing a total of 82 games. That said, NBA League Pass still remains the best place to watch every single NBA game - but there's a major catch. Even as a subscriber to NBA League Pass, you still have to deal with blackouts. So, your local team's games won't be available live, but only after your local broadcaster is done airing the game.

Being an online service, NBA League Pass determines your location based on your IP address. In other words, to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts, you need an IP address from a different state, letting you live-stream your local team's games. That's done with the help of an NBA League Pass VPN, but keep in mind that not just about any VPN will do the job.

In this article, we'll explain how to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts. We'll also explain which VPNs work (based on our hands-on tests, of course). Then, we'll teach you how NBA blackouts work, some alternative ways to bypass them, troubleshoot error codes, and we'll finish by answering a range of frequently asked questions.

Best NBA League Pass VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated NBA League Pass VPN to Bypass Blackouts
2. Surfshark - Best VPN for NBA League Pass with Tons of Servers
3. ExpressVPN - Beginner-Friendly VPN with Impressive Speeds
4. CyberGhost VPN - Streaming-First VPN for NBA League Pass
5. PIA VPN - Watch Blacked Out NBA Games from Any US State

How to Bypass NBA League Pass Blackouts with a VPN

To bypass NBA League Pass blackout restrictions, you need to connect to a VPN server outside of your US state. With your new IP address, you'll get to stream any game live - like so:

1. Get a VPN that works with NBA League Pass (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download the VPN on the device(s) you use for streaming.
3. Install and open the VPN app, and then log in to your account.
4. Connect to a server outside of your US state and initialize your session.
5. You can now access NBA League Pass and live-stream any game.

The Best NBA League Pass VPNs in 2024

To find truly the best VPN for NBA League Pass, you need to base your search on certain, strict criteria. First and foremost, make sure the VPN can bypass NBA League Pass blackouts instantly and on any device, done by having access to servers in various US states. It wouldn't hurt to have access to a worldwide server network to reach even more services.

Next, you'll want a VPN with smooth performance and fast speeds. That's especially important in this case, as we're talking about streaming. You'll also want obfuscated servers, which always helps in bypassing geo-blocks. There should also be a kill switch to prevent data leaks, as well as a no-logs policy, strong VPN protocols, and robust encryption.

You might also want to watch NBA blackout games from more than a single device, so aim for a VPN with several simultaneous connections. Related to that, pick a VPN that works on any device, especially computers, handhelds, and streaming devices. Lastly, you'll need 24/7 live chat customer support as well as generous money-back guarantees.

Based on what's said above, these are the 5 best VPNs to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts.

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated NBA League Pass VPN to Bypass Blackouts

NordVPN is, by far, the best NBA League Pass VPN, featuring a series of tools that help you bypass NBA League Pass blackouts with ease. This excellent VPN covers 15+ cities in the US with close to 2,000 servers. Globally, it offers 5,800+ servers in 60 countries in total.

This is a well-known VPN brand, present on the global market for 10+ years now. So, it's not a surprise that it offers fast speeds and reliable performance. Based on our tests, both nearby and remote servers are equally fast, which is a rare thing in the world of VPNs. Also, a certain portion of those is obfuscated, providing an extra layer of privacy.

NordVPN is built upon ultra-strong protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx (WireGuard), paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. There's also a kill switch, allowing you to shut down NBA League Pass if something unexpected happens - preserving your original IP a secret. And, of course, NordVPN features an audited no-logs policy.

We'll also add that NordVPN offers 6 simultaneous connections, which sounds generous. You'll also get incredibly user-friendly applications for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, various streaming devices, and more. Lastly, 24/7 live chat is on offer, as well as a 30-day money-back policy, which means getting NordVPN is a risk-free decision.

2. Surfshark - Best VPN to Bypass NBA League Pass with Tons of Servers

Surfshark is the best VPN for NBA League Pass as it can unblock NBA League Pass blackouts without any fuss. This VPN offers 600+ US servers in 25 cities, giving you truly a lot of options for NBA League Pass blackout workarounds. In total, it has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide.

This VPN uses something called 'Nexus' to intelligently route your VPN traffic through multiple servers at once, resulting in extra-fast performance. This truly is one of the fastest VPNs on the market right now, making it highly suitable for streaming NBA League Pass and other platforms. On top of that, it brings optional obfuscation, which is always a nice thing to see.

You also get protocols like OpenVPN (AES-256) and WireGuard (ChaCha20), letting you choose between security and performance. A kill switch is also there, as well as an audited no-logs policy. That means you can rest assured that your original IP will never be revealed to NBA League Pass and even Surfshark won't know what you do online.

Another benefit is that Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections and it also has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, handhelds, and streaming devices. Aside from that, you'll get to count on 24/7 live chat support, in addition to all kinds of installation guides, explainers, FAQs, and more. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee on board as well.

3. ExpressVPN - Beginner-Friendly VPN with Impressive Speeds

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for NBA League Pass if you're looking for a bit more privacy on the Web, aside from being able to sidestep NBA's blackouts with ease. This VPN also gives you access to 20+ US locations via hundreds of servers, as well as 3,000+ servers in 105 countries globally - a truly sizable server fleet.

With ExpressVPN, you won't have to worry about performance. By default, it comes optimized to bring ultra-fast speeds, no matter if you pick nearby or remote servers. On top of that, all of its servers are obfuscated by default, which is something you can't disable. So, no matter which server you pick, ExpressVPN will always add an extra layer of privacy.

You won't find WireGuard here, but you'll find OpenVPN and Lightway paired with AES-256. Lightway is unique to ExpressVPN, trying to strike the right balance between security and speed. Also, there's a kill switch ('Network Lock') that shuts down your connectivity to prevent leaks, and there's also an audited no-logs policy.

ExpressVPN gives you 8 simultaneous connections, so you can watch NBA League Pass on any device you own. Aside from that, you'll find native apps for computers, phones, streaming devices, and even routers. Also, ExpressVPN is known for its 24/7 live chat support. It also comes with a 30-day money-back policy.

4. CyberGhost VPN - Streaming-First VPN for NBA League Pass

CyberGhost is a bit peculiar VPN for NBA League Pass that comes with interesting streaming-friendly features. More precisely, you'll find servers optimized for NBA League Pass. Also, it has 1,500+ servers in 10 US locations, as well as 10,000+ servers in 100 countries globally. That means CyberGhost has one of the largest server fleets today.

For the most part, this VPN performs well - especially on nearby servers. However, its speed can downgrade if you go for a remote server. So, if you're trying to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts from within the US, speed should not be an issue. Also, there's no obfuscation, so users from restrictive countries should aim for a more comprehensive option.

Nonetheless, this VPN comes with solid security features. It offers OpenVPN (AES-256) and WireGuard (ChaCha20), as well as a built-in kill switch, which works in the background. You'll also be happy to hear that CyberGhost features a recently audited no-logs policy, which means your data will never end up on its servers.

CyberGhost comes with 7 simultaneous connections. You can take full advantage of that through its apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile and streaming devices, and more. Of course, 24/7 live chat support is also on board. And if you pick a long-term subscription plan, this VPN will offer you a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. PIA VPN - Watch Blacked Out NBA Games from Any US State

Private Internet Access (PIA) allows you to watch blacked-out NBA games from practically any US state. That means that PIA offers servers in all 50 US states while also offering thousands of servers spread across 90+ counties around the world. As far as we know, no other VPN service offers that many US locations at the moment.

In general, PIA can be quite fast - but be prepared for some tweaking. This is a highly advanced VPN service with plenty of customization available, making it suitable for experienced users. As such, it's no surprise that PIA offers obfuscation, which comes as an optional feature. It also offers two types of kill switches, a system-level one and an application-level one.

Among its supported protocols, you'll find OpenVPN with AES-128/256 and WireGuard with ChaCha20. This VPN also has a freshly audited no-logs policy. It even offers open-source apps, which means that PIA has nothing to hide. Despite its great power, this VPN will never collect a single file about your online habits.

You can also count on unlimited simultaneous connections, as well as VPN software for PCs, mobile phones, tablets, streaming devices, and more. In case of any issues, PIA will be there to assist you through its 24/7 live chat customer support. Aside from that, your purchase will be protected by its 30-day money-back policy.

NBA Blackout Map

NBA blackouts spread across the entire US, with certain blackout areas being surprisingly large. Also, NBA blackouts don't always correspond to the borders of individual US states, making it even more difficult to know in what zone you are - which is where the following NBA blackout map can assist.

Use the image found above to check which VPN location you need to use to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts. In other words, just pick a server in a location outside of your local team's borders, and you'll get to stream those games live.

Why Are NBA Games Blacked Out?

NBA games are blacked out due to exclusive rights to televise live games. More precisely, both national and local broadcasters are free to obtain the rights to televise individual games.

In other words, your local broadcaster is paying for the broadcast rights to air NBA games live, which is what leads to local blackouts and which is how the NBA generates revenue. While that is on air, your only option is to turn to your local broadcaster, as that specific game won't be available on NBA League Pass.

So, when does that game appear on NBA League Pass? Well, that depends on many factors. In most cases, the games appear right after their broadcast ends. Sometimes, it can take up to 24 hours for them to become available on NBA League Pass.

How Does NBA League Pass Know Your Location?

When accessing NBA League Pass on your computer, this streaming service will determine your location by checking your IP address. Certain games will be blacked out based on your location, no matter if we’re talking about regional or national blackouts.

When accessing NBA League Pass on your Android or iOS devices, your GPS location will be checked. Considering that VPNs change your IP address primarily (and not your GPS data), bypassing NBA’s blackouts on mobile phones can be very hard to achieve.

That said, it takes more than just changing your IP address to bypass NBA restrictions. This is precisely why we strongly recommend NordVPN, with a proven track record of unblocking sites with ease. Other NBA League Pass VPNs might change your IP, but that might not be enough to go over geo-restrictions imposed by the streaming service.

NBA League Pass vs. NBA TV

While NBA League Pass is a fully-featured streaming service, NBA TV is a pay television channel that you can stream over the Web. That said, there are major differences between the two options, so let's review what each of those can offer:

• NBA League Pass: This streaming service gives you access to live and on-demand games in HD, classic and archived games, NBA TV studio shows (Game Time and Basketball Stories, for example), live audio for every game, the ability to download games for offline viewing, and more. There are different tiers, starting at $14.99 per month or $99.99 for the entire season for one team. Higher-end tiers go up to $22.99 per month.
• NBA TV: This is also a streaming service, but it allows you to watch NBA TV only. That means you'll get to watch NBA games live, including regular season and playoff game broadcasts, as well as analysis programs, documentaries, and more. Also, while League Pass gives you access to every regular-season game, NBA TV gives you access only to the games that are broadcast on the channel. It's priced at $6.99 monthly.

Keep in mind that no matter which option you choose, NBA blackouts will apply. As said above, the only way to bypass NBA blackouts is to use a VPN, such as NordVPN.

How Do VPNs Bypass NBA League Pass Blackouts?

VPNs can bypass NBA League Pass blackouts by changing your IP address, hiding your location, and tricking the streaming service into thinking you're elsewhere. All that happens completely in the background as soon as you connect to a VPN server - as easy as that.

Once you click on a VPN server, your VPN application will start routing your Web traffic via that selected server. It means that you’ll get a new IP address pointing to a different location.

Also your data will also flow through a tunnel, which must be free of any leaks (not exposing your privacy and your location info). And finally, all of this happens based on a selected VPN protocol (there’s usually at least a couple to choose from).

This is precisely the reason why NordVPN is the best pick right now. It’s powered by OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols (bringing high-end encryption), so it will change your IP, secure your Web traffic, and prevent any leaks - in one go. This is the reason why it’s capable of bypassing NBA League Pass blackouts.

How to Bypass NBA League Pass Blackouts on Your Devices

You can bypass NBA League Pass blackouts on your computer and handheld devices simply by changing your IP address using a VPN server. Let's go over the detailed steps.

How to Watch Blackout NBA Games on Desktop

To get around NBA League Pass blackout restrictions on your computer (Windows, macOS, Linux), you need to use your VPN app and then access the streaming service via its site, like so:

1. Get a powerful NBA League Pass VPN for desktops (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your Windows, macOS, or Linux machine.
3. Open the VPN and use your credentials to log in.
4. Connect to a VPN server in any US state outside of your own.
5. Launch your Web browser and access NBA League Pass. That's it!

How to Watch Blackout NBA Games on Mobile

To get around NBA League Pass blackouts on your phone or tablet (iOS, iPadOS, Android), you need to connect to a VPN server before you access the NBA app. Here are the steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN with powerful mobile apps (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Use the iOS App Store/Google Play Store to download the VPN app.
3. Open it and use your credentials to access your account.
4. Pick a VPN server found outside of the US state where you reside.
5. Open the NBA app and access your League Pass content. That's all!

Can I Bypass NBA Blackout Restrictions Without a VPN?

To bypass NBA blackout restrictions without a VPN, you have 2 options only - to turn to a cable TV subscription or a sports media streaming service. Both of those ways allow you to watch sports networks like ESPN, ABC, TNT, or NBA TV outside the NBA League Pass.

If you're not a cord-cutter, you can turn to your regional sports network via cable TV. And if you're not using cable TV, there are several streaming services to consider:

• NBA League Pass: As explained throughout this guide, NBA League Pass is the best way to watch every NBA game - but there'll be blackouts on live games. If you don't wish to use an NBA League Pass VPN, you'll have to wait until games become available on-demand.
• ESPN Plus: It's true that select NBA games air on ESPN, which means you'll get to watch them through a simulcast of the ESPN broadcast. However, keep in mind that only a small portion of the current season games will be available on ESPN+.
• Sling TV: This streaming service comes with several subscription plans, with the basic one ('Orange') giving you access to ESPN, ESPN3, and TNT. To get everything this platform offers, you'll need to add NBA League Pass as an add-on.
• FuboTV: You'll get a greater variety of NBA games with Fubo, as this streaming service offers ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX Sports, NBA TV, and NBC Sport. There's no TNT, sadly. Also, there's no option to subscribe to NBA League Pass.
• YouTube TV: Though it's an expensive option, YouTube TV gives you access to ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, NBA TV, and TNT. It's also possible to get NBA League Pass through YouTube TV, giving you plenty of options to bypass blackouts.
• Hulu + Live TV: If you opt for Hulu + Live TV, you'll get to count on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, and TNT. What's missing here is NBA TV, but you'll get an option to watch your local team, which applies to select markets only.

Do NBA League Pass Blackouts Apply to On-Demand Games?

No, NBA League Pass blackouts don't apply to on-demand games. So, if you're not interested in watching live NBA games, you can wait until they become available on-demand.

When it comes to nationally telecast games, these are available on NBA League Pass three hours after they have aired. Locally telecast games appear on NBA League Pass three days after they have aired.

Does NBA League Pass Audio Have Blackouts?

No, NBA League Pass Audio doesn't have blackouts. That said, this is the most affordable solution to stay on top of the latest NBA games, as it comes priced at $9.99 (this is a one-time purchase). More importantly, League Pass Audio lets you listen to both home and away radio streams for all games without blackouts.

As you can imagine, 'NBA League Pass Audio' isn't for everyone. Since it allows you to listen to audio-only, it comes as a solution for those who don't want to watch NBA games live. However, due to its low cost (as well as due to its "no blackouts" policy), it comes as an interesting option.

How to Bypass NBA League Pass Error Codes

NBA League Pass error codes mostly appear if your VPN isn't powerful enough to hide your actual IP address. There are two error codes that appear most often (error codes 7027 and 3312), so let's explain what they mean and how to fix them.

Error Code 7027: Out of Country Blocked Because Client is Neither in Home Country nor in Content Portability Region

The NBA League Pass error code 7027 means the streaming service has a problem reading your location. If you don't use an NBA League Pass VPN, use one that has US servers. And if you do use a VPN, you need a more powerful option, such as NordVPN.

Error Code 3312: Content Restricted for Geolocation

The NBA League Pass error code 3312 means that your IP address is associated with the blackout region. In other words, you're prevented from watching live games. To fix this issue, use a VPN (like NordVPN) to get an IP from another part of the US.

What Devices Are Compatible With NBA League Pass?

NBA League Pass is compatible with a huge range of devices and platforms. And even better, you don’t have to have the latest device to access this media streaming service. Check out the full list below:

• iPhone (iOS 15.0 or later);
• iPad (iPadOS 15.0 or later);
• Android smartphones/tablets (7.0 or later);
• Kindle Fire;
• Roku (3 and above);
• Apple TV;
• Android TV;
• Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick;
• Xbox (Xbox One S/X & Xbox Series S/X);
• PlayStation (3, 4, and PS5);
• VR devices (Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream, Oculus Go/Rift, and more).

International NBA League Pass Subscription

There are two types of NBA League Pass subscriptions based on whether you’re located in the United States or elsewhere. However, no matter the location, you sign up in the same way – by visiting the NBA’s League Pass website.

Once again, we’re talking about IP address detection here. The NBA website will detect your location and show you corresponding subscription plans. We’re talking about differently priced subscription plans, as those outside the US can get the international version of NBA League Pass. Check out the table below for more information.

	NBA League Pass (USA)	NBA League Pass (India)
Price (Monthly)	$14.99	₹99.00 (~ $1.30)
Price (Annually)	$99.99	₹999.00 (~ $13.60)
Blackout Restrictions	YES	NO

As you can see, we have very different prices here. However, it’s essential to know that there’s no single international subscription pricing scheme. Each country has its pricing, expressed in local currencies. However, the most important thing to note here is that blackout restrictions apply to the US only.

Once you get a VPN, you’re free to use all kinds of VPN servers – placed in many countries around the world. Therefore, this is how you can check the prices of NBA League Pass outside the USA. Make sure to check if you get other benefits as well, such as NBA TV.

NBA League Pass VPN Not Working?

If you're struggling to use NBA League Pass with a VPN check your Internet connection first. Then, try another server, another protocol, or restart your equipment/devices. Here's more information on what you need to do.

• Restart Your Device and VPN: The first step is to restart your device, which will also restart your VPN. We also recommend restarting your router, which reboots your Web connection, helping you resolve all kinds of technical issues in one go.
• Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure your VPN isn't active and open your favorite Web browser. Try accessing a couple of websites and see if everything works properly. If pages don't open as they should, contact your Internet provider.
• Update Your VPN Application: Since VPN providers issue new updates every couple of weeks, it's highly important to always use the latest software version available. So, visit your VPN app's settings and check whether new updates are pending.
• Switch to Another VPN Server: Your VPN probably offers servers in more than a single US state. So, open its list of servers, find a server that helps you bypass NBA League Pass blackouts, and connect to that location (outside of your own state).
• Switch to Another VPN Protocol: Most VPNs come with multiple protocols, letting you pick how your data is handled. Our recommendation is to cycle between OpenVPN and WireGuard, both of which are capable enough to bypass NBA blackouts.
• Temporarily Disable Your Firewall: It's a known fact that firewalls built into Windows can prevent VPNs from working, especially commercial VPN services. Visit your PC's Control Center to disable your firewall, at least temporarily.
• Uninstall Other VPN Applications: It's never a good idea to have multiple VPNs installed, as their connections can create a software conflict. Stick to a single VPN app only and make sure to completely remove all other VPN apps.
• Contact Your VPN's Support: As a last resort, turn to your VPN's support. Hopefully, you've picked an NBA League Pass VPN with 24/7 live chat support, so you can chat with support agents live.

Can You Use a Free VPN to Bypass NBA League Pass Blackouts?

No, you can't use a free VPN to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts. That's because there's not a single free VPN that has the power to trick NBA League Pass into thinking you're somewhere else. On top of that, there are many other reasons to stay away from free VPNs.

Even the best free VPNs come with certain limitations. They will either limit your bandwidth or the performance of your Web connection. Also, they tend to collect a lot of personal data for the purpose of selling it to advertisers. And worst of all, there are malicious free VPNs that not only steal your data - but also infect your device with malware.

If you're looking for a risk-free entry to NBA League Pass VPNs, we recommend checking our list of the best VPNs. Also, you can also go for a risk-free VPN free trial, which is how you'll get premium VPN features for a limited time.

More precisely, we recommend NordVPN's free trial, as this powerful VPN comes with a 7-day trial on Android devices. Also, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, applicable to all of its supported platforms and devices.

Final Thoughts

By default, NBA League Pass won't let you watch every game live - as blackout rules still apply even on online streaming. That said, a VPN is the best option to bypass NBA League Pass blackout restrictions. All you have to do is to connect to a US state where the game is widely available, which is how you'll trick the streaming service into thinking you're elsewhere.

However, the thing is that finding a fully-working NBA League Pass VPN is easier said than done. Based on our tests and hands-on experience, our #1 recommendation is NordVPN, because it's the most powerful option to bypass NBA blackout restrictions. Thanks to its army of US servers and ultra-fast speeds, streaming in HD from anywhere will be a piece of cake.

That's all for our guide on how to bypass NBA League Pass blackouts. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!