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How to Watch NBC Sports Outside the US in 2024
Last updated March 23, 2024
NBC Sports is a cable channel with extensive coverage of all your favorite leagues, including NFL, MLB, Premier League, NBA, and more. Unfortunately, you can’t watch NBC Sports outside the US (not even as a US citizen traveling abroad) due to licensing and distribution deals. You also can’t watch it if you don’t have cable or a suitable streaming provider.
What you can do, however, is get a US IP address with a VPN and sign up for a content provider that has NBC Sports. At the moment, your only options to watch NBC Sports without cable are through Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, DirecTV, and YouTube TV. Note that NBC Sports is regionally restricted within the US, so some cities may not have it.
In this guide, we’ll go over how to watch NBC Sports step-by-step, which VPNs work best, and include pricing details for each TV provider mentioned above. Not only that, but we’ll outline some content you can watch, list separate guides to get NBC Sports working on all your devices, and answer some FAQs at the end.
How to Watch NBC Sports Live with a VPN
To watch NBC Sports live with a VPN, you’ll have to connect to a US VPN server and subscribe to an NBC Sports provider (e.g., Peacock). Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Sign up for a VPN that can unblock NBC Sports anywhere (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the provider’s VPN app and launch it.
- Connect to a server located in the US.
- Subscribe to your preferred NBC Sports provider. (Peacock is the cheapest option).
- Once you’re finished, you can navigate to your provider’s NBC Sports programming.
- For cable subscribers: go to the NBC Sports website and select a live event to watch.
- You will be redirected to a preview. Click on “Link TV Provider” and follow the steps.
- Log in with your credentials, and you can watch NBC Sports online.
Note that subscribing to any NBC Sports provider requires a US payment method (e.g., credit card, PayPal). For many services (like Peacock), you can create a Google/Apple account with a US billing address and pay with a Google Play or Apple gift card.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch NBC Sports Online?
You need a VPN to watch NBC Sports online because it’s only available in the US and its territories. NBC Sports is offered on several US-exclusive platforms, including Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, DirecTV, and YouTube TV. However, depending on which US VPN server you connect to, NBC Sports may not be available on your chosen service.
Attempting to watch NBC Sports outside the US will result in the following geo-restriction error: “We’re sorry. You are not authorized to access this content from outside of the US and its territories.”
This is easily solvable if you get a US IP address with the right VPN. Once you sign up for a premium VPN service and download the provider’s app, all you have to do is connect to a server located in a US city where NBC Sports is offered. That said, most VPNs get blocked by NBC and similar services due to licensing restrictions.
We recommend NordVPN because it can easily unblock NBC Sports abroad. It comes equipped with 1,970+ top-notch US servers, blazing-fast speeds, and amazing tools like SmartPlay to keep your location a secret while streaming.
The Best VPNs to Watch NBC Sports Outside the US
To watch NBC Sports with VPN support, you must find a provider that meets several important criteria. First, it has to be able to unblock NBC Sports and other streaming platforms. For that, you’ll need an extensive server network in the US and worldwide. And if you’re planning to watch on college Wi-Fi or at work, look for a provider with obfuscation to hide your VPN usage.
Ensure your VPN delivers fast speeds and stable performance for those HD sports streams and has a kill switch so you won’t get blocked if disconnected. The VPN should also have a no-logs policy and come with top-notch protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard) and encryption (AES-256) to keep your data private and safe.
Naturally, the VPN should be decently priced, have apps for every system (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, etc.), and offer multiple simultaneous connections for all your gadgets. 24/7 live chat and a hefty money-back guarantee should be there in case of any trouble.
Based on the criteria above, these are the best VPNs to watch NBC Sports from anywhere:
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch NBC Sports Channel Online from Anywhere
- Surfshark – Stream NBC Sports Without Cable Outside the US
- ExpressVPN – Fully Obfuscated VPN to Watch NBC Sports
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch NBC Sports Channel Online from Anywhere
NordVPN is the best VPN to watch NBC Sports channel content because it can unblock NBC Sports and get around sports blackouts with its massive server network in the USA (1,970+ US servers in 16 locations). You can also explore other streaming services with NordVPN’s 6,200+ servers in 111 countries, all featuring SmartPlay to get past geo-blocks.
What’s more, NordVPN is among the fastest providers out there. You’ll get consistent performance whether you’re streaming live events on NBC Sports from Canada or overseas.
The VPN is equipped with a useful kill switch feature that will disable all traffic in the event of a disconnect. Plus you have obfuscated servers in case you want to catch the game on a restrictive network at school or work.
NordVPN’s no-logs claims have been audited to ensure the provider never records your online activity. Naturally, it also secures your data with the best protocols in the industry, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec (with AES-256 encryption), and NordLynx. The latter builds upon WireGuard’s framework with a few security additions and uses ChaCha20 encryption.
All plans come with 10 simultaneous connections for your daily needs, with stylish apps available on Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and more.
NordVPN prices start at $3.39/month (2-year plan), and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to try something else. 24/7 live chat is available for troubleshooting and tips.
PROS
- Wide US coverage, 1,970+ servers.
- Easy access to NBC Sports.
- Smooth streaming with SmartPlay.
- Obfuscated servers available.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day refund guarantee.
CONS
- Not all servers are obfuscated.
2. Surfshark – Stream NBC Sports Without Cable Outside the US
Surfshark is another stellar VPN for streaming NBC Sports without cable anywhere in the world. It’s equipped with smart DNS and other features to unblock NBC Sports and more content providers you might be interested in. You have 3,200+ servers in 100 countries at your disposal, with 600+ in 25 US cities alone.
Speeds are excellent overall, and Surfshark’s unique Nexus feature improves your streaming performance by using the entire server network to route data.
A kill switch is available to protect your online identity in case of sudden connection drops. Meanwhile, the provider maintains a strict no-logs policy so you remain 100% private online. Otherwise, you can use Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode (obfuscated servers) to stay under the radar or evade VPN blocks.
Surfshark provides several tried-and-tested protocols to secure against hackers. You have the classic AES-256-enabled OpenVPN and IKEv2 options, along with the lightweight WireGuard protocol (equipped with the ChaCha20 cipher).
The VPN supports most popular gadgets, whether you’re on PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), mobile (iOS, Android), or want to watch NBC Sports on your smart TV. Best of all, Surfshark lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously, all with a single fairly-priced subscription.
At $2.29/month for the 2-year plan, it’s one of the most affordable VPNs out there. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee and access to 24/7 live chat support for good measure.
PROS
- Coast-to-coast US server coverage.
- Improved performance with Nexus.
- Obfuscation (Camouflage Mode).
- Unlimited concurrent connections.
- 24/7 live chat.
- 30-day money-back plan.
CONS
- Below-average initial connection times.
3. ExpressVPN – Fully Obfuscated VPN to Watch NBC Sports Without Cable
ExpressVPN is a top-notch contender if you want to get NBC Sports without cable, letting you unblock NBC Sports and many other platforms with its large cluster of servers in the US (24 locations). A single subscription allows access to 3,000+ fully obfuscated servers in 105 countries worldwide.
Apart from great streaming support, ExpressVPN delivers amazing speeds and performance no matter your location - especially while live streaming your favorite sporting events.
ExpressVPN has a no-nonsense no-logs policy that’s been audited by top security firms to ensure your privacy. All apps come with a kill switch to stop traffic in case of unexpected disconnects, letting you browse and stream without exposing you online.
ExpressVPN has a trio of solid protocols in its offering. First off, there’s the provider’s in-house Lightway protocol - a speedy option that encrypts your data with WolfSSL. Alternatively, you can stick to the usual AES-256-enabled OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.
The provider offers apps for most systems, including Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and even routers, if you want to secure your entire household. Either way, ExpressVPN comes with a generous 8 simultaneous connections, which should cover all your bases.
No 2-year plan here, although you can get a yearly subscription for $6.67/month. Plus you have 24/7 access to live chat support, as well as a solid 30-day money-back plan if you want to compare providers.
PROS
- Speedy VPN apps.
- Solid US and global network.
- Built-in obfuscation.
- 8 simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Higher pricing than competitors.
How Much Does an NBC Sports Subscription Cost?
The price of an NBC Sports subscription without cable varies based on the content provider you choose. Since the NBC Sports Gold option has been retired in 2021, the best way to enjoy NBC Sports Network programming is through Peacock, starting at a $5.99/month subscription.
As a more expensive alternative, you can catch up with your favorite teams through live TV services like Hulu + Live TV ($76.99/month), Sling TV ($45/month), Fubo ($79.99/month), DirecTV (84.99/month), or YouTube TV ($72.99/month). You can also link any of the providers through the NBC Sports app, previously known as the NBC Sports LIVE Extra app.
Here’s what pricing and features you can expect from each NBC Sports provider:
How to Watch NBC Sports on Your Devices
You can watch NBC Sports on your devices by connecting to a VPN server located in the United States. Some gadgets (e.g., Roku or Xbox One) don’t support VPNs, in which case you’ll have to look into an alternative, such as installing a VPN on your router. Here are separate guides on how to get NBC Sports on your devices:
How to Watch NBC Sports on Windows or Mac
You can watch NBC Sports on Windows or Mac directly through your browser by connecting to a VPN server in the US. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get a VPN that works on NBC Sports outside the US (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the provider’s app to your PC.
- Launch the VPN, then connect to a US server.
- Log in to your NBC Sports provider or go to the NBC Sports website and link your cable.
- Find the sporting event you want to watch and enjoy!
How to Watch NBC Sports on Android
To watch NBC Sports on Android, you can get the main NBC Sports app and link your TV provider. Remember to connect to a US VPN server beforehand. See below:
- Sign up for a VPN for NBC Sports on Android (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN to your Android device.
- Open the app and connect to the US.
- Create a new US Google account and log in to it to access the US Play Store.
- Download the NBC Sports app from the Google Play Store.
- Launch it, and tap “Start Watching.”
- Tap “Link Provider” and follow the process to start watching.
How to Watch NBC Sports on a Smart TV
If your smart TV doesn’t support VPNs, you’re stuck having to install one on your router. During the setup process, ensure your region is set to the US. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Subscribe to a VPN with a router setup guide (we recommend NordVPN).
- Follow said guide from your provider’s website.
- Set your region to the US as you go along.
- Change your TV’s system region to the US as well.
- Download the NBC Sports app for your TV model.
- Open the app, link your TV provider, and start watching.
How to Watch NBC Sports on Apple TV
Before you watch NBC Sports on Apple TV, you’ll have to get a VPN, connect to the US, and sign up for a US Apple account. Then you can download the NBC Sports app, link your TV service, and enjoy live sports. Full guide below:
- Register for a VPN that has an Apple TV app (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the app on your Apple TV and launch it.
- Connect to a US server.
- Sign up for a new Apple ID with a US billing address.
- Log in with this new ID on your Apple TV.
- Download the NBC Sports app from the tvOS store.
- Open it, link your TV service (e.g., YouTube TV), and enjoy NBC Sports!
How to Watch NBC Sports on Roku
You can watch NBC Sports on Roku by mirroring your screen from an Android/Windows device, or using AirPlay on iOS/Mac. As always, ensure you’re connected to the US before you begin:
- Sign up for a trusty VPN for NBC Sports (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on your preferred device that supports screen mirroring/AirPlay.
- Connect to a server in the United States.
- Get the NBC Sports app for your chosen device.
- Tap “Start Watching,” then “Link Provider,” and follow the process as usual.
- Turn on your Roku and connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your other device.
- Use screen mirroring or AirPlay to watch NBC Sports on Roku.
How to Watch NBC Sports on Xbox One
Game consoles don’t support VPNs, so to watch NBC Sports on Xbox One, you’ll have to set up a VPN on your router (with the US as your region).
- Choose a VPN that works on routers (we recommend NordVPN).
- Visit your provider’s website and follow their router setup guide.
- Ensure your region is set to the US.
- Change your Xbox One system region to the United States.
- Install the NBC Sports app for Xbox One.
- Launch the app, link your TV provider, and start watching NBC Sports.
What Can You Watch on NBC Sports Channel?
Surprise, surprise, but you can watch all manner of sports on the NBC Sports channel. There’s a little something for everybody, whether you’re a fan of the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, Premier League, NASCAR, golf, tennis, cycling, olympic sports, figure skating, and much more.
If you’re watching NBC Sports through Peacock, you can get extensive coverage on Sunday Night Football and similar shows. Peacock also has sports documentaries like Messi or Venus and Serena to pique your interest. And if you’re just curious about what’s on, the main NBC Sports website has live broadcasts from the Golf Channel, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC.
Here’s more NBC Sports-adjacent content you can watch:
How to Watch NBC Sports Without Cable
You can watch NBC Sports without cable through various streaming providers, such as Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, DirecTV, or YouTube TV. None of these services require a cable subscription, and you can cancel anytime. That said, they’re all US-exclusive, and NBC Sports isn’t available in every US city (or is city-specific - e.g., NBC Sports Bay Area).
Why are they only available in the US, you ask? Well, that’s because of licensing agreements between content producers and providers. For example, the NFL may choose to license most of their games within the US and only to certain broadcasters, such as Peacock. The same goes for all other TV channels that work with the providers mentioned above.
Fortunately, you can unblock any of them by using a VPN to get a US IP address. We recommend NordVPN due to its amazingly fast servers (1,970+ in 16 US locations), as well as useful tools like SmartPlay to effectively hide your location on any NBC Sports provider.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to watch NBC Sports without cable out there, whether you’re going straight to the source on NBC’s Peacock or prefer a live TV provider like fubo. However, all the platforms that offer NBC Sports are region-locked, so you can’t access them outside the US. Luckily, you can use a VPN to unblock them and watch NBC Sports from anywhere.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch the NBC Sports channel. This is thanks to its amazing performance worldwide, extensive US network (1,970+ servers in 16 locations), and plenty of features to keep your location hidden on any streaming platform.
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