How to watch NBA League Pass with a VPN

Want to watch NBA League Pass outside of the US or stream a blackout game on NBA League Pass? We explain how to use a VPN to watch NBA League Pass from anywhere. 

NBA League Pass is the easiest way for basketball fans to enjoy the NBA online. However, due to licensing agreements, blackout games remain a huge source of frustration. The good news is that anybody can use a VPN to watch their NBA League Pass account on vacation, or in US states subject to a blackouts.

Not all VPNs are fast enough for streaming live NBA on League Pass. Some VPNs have slow servers that cause buffering, while other VPNs have already been blocked by the NBA. The VPNs in this guide offer a choice of US IP addresses to ensure you can access blackout games throughout the 2024 season. Our VPN recommendations have servers in the US, the UK, and various other countries where NBA League Pass is available, so you can stream the NBA regardless of where you are. 

How to watch NBA League Pass with a VPN

Whether you are on vacation or want to watch a blackout game, the method for streaming NBA League Pass remains the same. By using a VPN, you can get an IP address in a different US state. This makes you appear to be in a city where the game broadcasts without restrictions. 

6 steps to watch NBA League Pass with a VPN:

1. Choose a VPN that works to watch NBA League Pass. We recommend NordVPN because it is exceptionally secure, fast, and reliable for streaming NBA League Pass on vacation. Alternatively, you can use Surfshark, a cheap VPN to bypass NBA blackout games, or ExpressVPN, another superb all-rounder.
2. Follow one of the links in this guide to purchase a VPN subscription. Our link will automatically implement a coupon code that makes the subscription cost as cheap as possible.
3. Download the VPN software onto your streaming device. Our recommendations have Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick apps to let you watch NBA League Pass on laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
4. Log in to the VPN app using your credentials from sign-up. You can use the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously, which means you and your family can use it on all your devices.
5. Select a VPN server in the US from the list of server options. Click 'Connect' and wait for the VPN to establish the connection. Remember to pick a server in a city or state that is not currently under blackout restrictions.
6. Launch your browser and navigate to the NBA League Pass website. You can try streaming by using the NBA League Pass app, but bypassing region locks on the browser-based version of NBA League Pass is more reliable. 

If you have any issues watching NBA League Pass while connected to your VPN, we recommend clearing the cookies and cache in your browser. Alternatively, launch an incognito window and head to your account that way. Cookies left in your browser can cause a conflict with the VPN. If all else fails, contact your VPN’s customer support to get help.

What are the best VPNs for watching NBA League Pass?

Streaming NBA League Pass requires a fast VPN with servers across the US. Those servers must be fast enough to ensure you can stream live games in HD without buffering. We tested the market to find the most suitable VPNs.

The best VPNs for NBA League Pass:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for NBA League Pass. NordVPN boasts the speedy NordLynx protocol and a vast network of US servers to unlock NBA League Pass, Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, Paramount+, NBC Sports, ESPN+, and more. It provides 256-bit encryption, a solid no-logs policy, and various privacy features. The proprietary NordLynx protocol is tailor-made for seamless streaming with no buffering. Also works to stream the UK and other international versions of NBA League Pass. Has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Low-cost VPN with servers in over 100 countries, including the US to watch NBA League Pass abroad or during blackouts. The UK servers work to watch NBA League Pass from abroad. Fast WireGuard protocol for accessing NBA League Pass, HBO Max, Netflix US, Hulu, ESPN+, and other streaming services. Unlimited connections make it ideal for account sharing. Strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN: Renowned for its speed, security, and reliability, ExpressVPN connects you to servers in 94+ countries, including the US and the UK, making it a top pick for NBA League Pass. It can unlock Netflix US, Hulu, Paramount+, HBO Max, and many others. Provides a kill switch and AES encryption. ExpressVPN is also committed to a strict no-logs policy. 
4. CyberGhost VPN: Ideal for beginners. CyberGhost VPN categorizes its US servers by streaming provider to make them easier to find in the app. It prioritizes user-friendly applications while maintaining secure connections and robust privacy measures. Apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
5. Private Internet Access: Has servers in all 50 US states – perfect for bypassing blackout restrictions throughout the NBA season. Fast speeds and strong privacy features make this VPN a superb all-rounder. Has apps for all platforms and live chat support. Works with most US streaming services including NBA League Pass. 

Summary Table

How we chose the best VPN to watch NBA League Pass

Many VPNs make exaggerated claims about their speed, security, and ability to unblock region-locked content. At BleepingComputer, our priority is to find VPNs that put user privacy first. We use a precise VPN testing methodology to check each provider's features, including testing for leaks, measuring download speed, and looking under the hood to see how the encryption is implemented. We also closely analyze the privacy policy.

The VPNs featured in this guide are secure, fast, private, and suited to accessing NBA League Pass abroad, at work, or during blackout games.

Here are the criteria we took into account when selecting the top VPNs for streaming NBA League Pass:

• US servers that can stream NBA League Pass and other networks that broadcast NBA games.
• Works to stream well-known platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, and HBO Max.
• Reliable speeds for HD streaming, online gaming, and torrenting.
• Robust privacy features include strong encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a selection of secure protocols.
• User-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick, with compatibility extending to smart TVs and routers.
• Customer support, including live chat accessible via the VPN's website.
• Money-back guarantee allows you to test the VPN to watch NBA League Pass on your own devices.
• Global server network that works to access a wide variety of international streaming services and platforms. 
• Strict no-logging policy ensures the VPN retains no records of your home IP address, server usage, or online browsing activities.

To feature in the top three spots of our lists, VPNs must have also undergone an independent security audit and maintain a network of diskless servers. These audits ensure that the VPN is free from vulnerabilities, while RAM-only servers ensure the provider refrains from storing any user’s data on a hard disk.

How to watch NBA League Pass with a VPN – FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to watch NBA League Pass?

No. Although we have recommended a few trustworthy free VPNs in this guide, they will unfortunately not work for watching NBA League Pass or other popular American streaming services like Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, and Netflix US. 

Free VPNs have limitations like fewer server options, slower connection speeds, download caps, and restrictions on accessing popular streaming platforms like NBA League Pass and Netflix. You need a paid VPN to watch NBA League Pass. 

Studies have exposed the dangers of using free VPNs. Most of the free services found online and on app stores suffer from vulnerabilities, DNS leaks, inadequate or poorly implemented encryption, and dangerous privacy policies that allow user data to be harvested and sold. Some have even been found to contain spyware within their applications. 

Most free VPNs are a huge risk to your devices and the safety of your personal data.

What are blackout NBA games and why are they enforced?

Blackout games are streaming blocks that prevent you from watching the NBA even if you have a valid streaming subscription to NBA League Pass (or some other service that carries NBA). Blackouts are enforced when a local team is playing, to encourage people to buy tickets to the game and to give local TV broadcasters exclusive broadcast rights.

These blackouts are a huge source of frustration for paying customers who want to be able to watch the entire NBA season on League Pass. The good news is that a VPN can sidestep these restrictions to stream every game with your NBA League Pass account. 

By connecting to a VPN server that is outside of your local city or state, you can get an IP address in a location where NBA League Pass account holders are permitted to watch the game.

Why is NBA League Pass blocked outside of the US?

The NBA enters into licensing agreements on a case-by-case basis, selling broadcasting rights to different networks and streaming services. These licensing agreements impose strict limitations on where each network or streaming provider is permitted to broadcast that content. 

These licensing restrictions allow the NBA to sell its content to different sports broadcasting services around the globe. As a result, US streaming platforms like NBA League Pass must be made unavailable anywhere but in America.

To enforce these licensing agreements, streaming services like NBA League Pass monitor each visitor’s IP address. If the user is found to be outside of the US, they will be served an error message. 

These blocks are primarily designed to prevent foreigners from signing up for US-only services from abroad. Unfortunately, however, they also affect legitimate American account holders when they travel abroad for work or on vacation.

You can use a VPN to regain access to a US IP address while on vacation. This allows you to bypass geo-blocks to watch your NBA League Pass account from anywhere in the world.

Can I watch NBA League Pass at work with a VPN?

Many employers and workplaces in America block popular streaming services like League Pass, Netflix, YouTube, ESPN Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max. They do this to prevent staff from becoming distracted. 

By connecting to a VPN server in the US, you can bypass the restrictions placed on the work WiFi by the network administrator. This allows you to visit every website and use every internet service as if you were back home.

A VPN also protects your privacy. The encrypted tunnel stops local WiFi networks from being able to track what you are doing online. You can unblock NBA League Pass to watch games without anybody finding out.

However, please note that while a VPN can provide you with reliable access and network privacy, it cannot stop your boss from walking up behind you when you are streaming on shift. We recommend that you use common sense, stick to using VPNs on your own devices, and only stream during lunch breaks or other legitimate downtime. 

Do I need a fast VPN to watch the NBA?

Yes. Many VPNs have slow servers that make it impossible to watch live sports. These sluggish VPNs have inferior servers and protocols that cause a lot of buffering.

The best VPNs for NBA League Pass all have fast servers capable of letting you watch NBA games in HD. 

How much does an NBA League Pass subscription cost?

The NBA Team Pass, which covers a single team, offers two payment options: You can opt for the entire season for $89.99 or choose the monthly plan, available for $13.99 per month. 

Alternatively, you can get the League Pass (all teams) for $99.99 per year, or the premium subscription for $149.99 per year.

Is NBA League Pass available in the UK?

Yes. NBA League Pass has now launched in the UK and a few other countries around the world. Each of these versions of League Pass is region-locked, so you will need to connect to a VPN server back home in the UK (or whichever country you purchased your League Pass account in) to stream on vacation. In the UK, the cost of NBA League Pass starts at £69.99.