How to live stream NBA games on League Pass with a VPN
Stream live NBA games even when connected to a Wi-Fi network that blocks streaming apps and websites. Just follow these simple steps:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location where the game you want to watch is available to stream. For example, fans in NJ can connect to a VPN server location in New Jersey to watch LeBron and A.D. play on the NBA League Pass.
- It’s game time!
Why you need a VPN to stream the NBA League Pass
Streaming live sports should be as smooth as an NBA fast break, but your internet provider can sometimes slow your connection when it detects streaming activity, causing frustrating lag and buffering. A VPN encrypts your connection, preventing your ISP from monitoring your activity, and keeping your connection consistent. That means you can focus on the action—whether it’s a clutch three-pointer or a posterizing dunk—without interruptions.
If you’re stuck working late and the office Wi-Fi blocks streaming platforms, you could miss out on key games. A VPN conceals your activity, which allows you to access NBA live streams seamlessly, no matter where you’re tuning in from.
The best VPN for the NBA League Pass in 2024
ExpressVPN works seamlessly with League Pass and other platforms showing the NBA. It has a global network of high-speed servers in 105 countries, including 12 U.S. states and Washington D.C. This makes it a great choice whether you’re an NBA fan in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world. The 10-Gbps network is optimized for streaming performance, so you can enjoy the fast pace of the NBA in HD.
You can connect up to 8 devices to ExpressVPN simultaneously. This means that you can watch NBA live streams while other household members use the VPN to stream on their own devices.
Try ExpressVPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What are NBA blackouts?
The NBA has contracts with regional sports networks around the U.S. to air games for local fans. To encourage people to subscribe to these networks, the NBA League Pass doesn’t stream games in regions where the game is on TV. For example, if you’re in Los Angeles, you can’t live stream the Lakers or Clippers on NBA League Pass, but if you’re in New Jersey or Dallas, you can.
The League Pass determines whether you can watch a game based on your IP address, not where you created the account. Using the example above, if you’re a Laker fan in LA and you travel outside the broadcast zone for the Lakers, the local blackout will no longer apply to you.
What Can I Stream with NBA League Pass?
League Pass gives you access to every game from the NBA Draft to the NBA Finals and everything in between (local blackout restrictions apply in the U.S.). You can choose which team’s broadcast to watch, and the in-arena cameras allow you to skip the commercials and watch the live entertainment instead. The platform also offers highlights from every game, analysis, video content, summer league games, and more.
Other ways to stream the NBA in the U.S.
The League Pass is just one way to watch the NBA. Every team has an affiliation with a regional sports network that broadcasts the majority of their games for the home fans. There are also games on TNT, ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV. Below are some of the best streaming platforms for watching the NBA live, and they all have free trials.
| Service | Channels | Free trial length |
| DirecTV Stream | ABC, ESPN, NBA TV (Choice plan and up), TNT, select regional sports networks | 5 days |
| Fubo | ABC, ESPN, NBA TV (Sports Plus add-on), select regional sports networks | 7 days |
| Hulu + Live TV | ABC, ESPN, NBA TV (Sports add-on), TNT | 3 days |
| YouTube TV | ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, TNT | Varies |
Where to watch the NBA live in Canada
TSN, Sportsnet, and NBA League Pass
NBA games are broadcast nationally on TSN, Sportsnet, and NBA TV Canada. TSN and Sportsnet share coverage of Toronto Raptors games, with each network airing 41 regular-season games. They also broadcast a selection of other NBA matchups throughout the season. NBA TV Canada offers additional NBA content, including live games, analysis, and original programming.
If you’re a fan of the NBA beyond just the Raptors, the NBA League Pass offers live and on-demand access to out-of-market games. Keep in mind that Raptors games are subject to blackout restrictions in Toronto and some other provinces in Canada. NBA games broadcast on TSN and Sportsnet may also be subject to blackouts.
Where to live stream the NBA in Australia
The only way to watch every NBA game in Australia is with the League Pass. The games are available live and on-demand.
ESPN in Australia is another option for watching the NBA. The channel will air 120 games in the 2024-25 season, which comes out to approximately 5 games a week. You can get ESPN on Foxtel or through the Kayo Sports streaming service.
If you want to stream live NBA games at school or work, but the Wi-Fi network blocks NBA League Pass or Kayo Sports, install ExpressVPN on your streaming device. Connect to a VPN server in Australia to bypass these restrictions and watch the NBA from anywhere.
Where to watch NBA live streams in Italy
Sky Sports Italia
Sky Italia holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for NBA games in Italy, with more than 300 live games during the 2024-25 season. This includes the regular-season, NBA Cup, playoffs, and the NBA Finals. These games are available on Sky Sport NBA, a dedicated channel featuring highlights, analysis, and original programming. You can also watch the channel on NOW with the Sky Sport package. There are monthly and annual plans available.
Top NBA Teams to Stream this Season
| Team | Local Sports Network | Best Streaming Service |
| Boston Celtics | NBC Sports Boston | Hulu |
| Los Angeles Lakers | Spectrum SportsNet | DirecTV Stream |
| Brooklyn Nets | YES Network | Fubo |
| Denver Nuggets | Altitude Sports | DirecTV Stream |
| Phoenix Suns | KPHE/KTVK | Fubo |
| San Antonio Spurs | FanDuel Sports Network, KENS 5, CWSA | DirecTV Stream |
| LA Clippers | FanDuel Sports Network SoCal | DirecTV Stream |
| Utah Jazz | KJZZ | DirecTV Stream |
| Chicago Bulls | CHSN | DirecTV Stream |
| New York Knicks | MSG Network | Fubo |
| Houston Rockets | Space City Home Network | DirecTV Stream |
FAQ: About live streaming the NBA League Pass in 2024
Can I use a VPN to watch the NBA League Pass from another country?
Some users might watch the NBA League Pass by connecting to a VPN server in a country other than their own, but doing so may violate copyright or the streaming service’s terms of use. ExpressVPN is a privacy and security tool, and using it to circumvent copyright is against our Terms of Service. We cannot see or control what you do while connected to our VPN, so you are responsible for ensuring that your use complies with all relevant terms and laws.
Can I use a free VPN to watch the NBA?
Free VPNs aren’t usually designed with streaming in mind and may not be able to access streaming platforms. ExpressVPN works effortlessly with streaming services, has servers in 105 countries, and delivers high-speed connections for smooth streaming. Try it risk-free with the 30-day-money-back-guarantee.
Is NBA League Pass region-locked?
Yes, NBA League Pass is region-locked. The availability of live games and content varies by country and U.S. state due to broadcasting rights and blackout restrictions. For instance, in the United States and Canada, certain games are subject to blackouts to protect local and national broadcasters’ rights.
Can I watch NBA League Pass anywhere?
NBA League Pass is available worldwide, but in the U.S. and Canada, blackout restrictions apply for some games. The League Pass is only available in the country where you purchased it (excluding the EU where it allows you to watch throughout the region). If you’re traveling abroad during the NBA season, connect to an ExpressVPN server in your home country to access the platform as usual.
Can I use NBA League Pass overseas?
The NBA League Pass is available internationally, allowing subscribers to watch games while traveling or living abroad. However, the content and availability may vary by country due to regional broadcasting rights and blackout restrictions.
How does NBA League Pass determine your location?
NBA League Pass determines your location using your device’s IP address and, on mobile devices, GPS data. If you prefer to keep your IP address private, you can connect to an ExpressVPN server to mask your real IP and location.
