{"id":28926,"date":"2025-04-08T06:59:26","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T13:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=28926"},"modified":"2026-05-27T04:23:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T11:23:05","slug":"how-to-get-around-espn-blackout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Around ESPN Blackout Restrictions in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"background-color: #d5dde3; padding: 15px; border-radius: 10px; width: 500px;\">\n<h4>Table of Contents<\/h4>\n<a href=\"#qg\">Quick Guide: How to Bypass ESPN Blackouts with a VPN<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#wd\">Why Does ESPN Blackout Games?<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#to\">Types of ESPN Blackouts<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#ht\">How to Get Around ESPN Blackouts on Any Device<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#wu\">Why Use a VPN with ESPN?<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#pv\">PIA VPN: The MVP for Streaming ESPN<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><br><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a sports fan, chances are you\u2019ve occasionally dealt with blackout restrictions when trying to tune into a game on ESPN. Blackouts are an unfortunate part of every sports league, from the MLB to the NHL, and they occur due to broadcast rights issues. This can be incredibly frustrating when you\u2019re paying for a premium service like ESPN or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/unblock-streaming\/espn-vpn\">ESPN+<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fortunately, there\u2019s a simple solution to this issue! In this article, we\u2019ll cover how to get around ESPN blackout restrictions, why the blackouts happen in the first place, and how PIA VPN can help you get the most out of your ESPN subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #cfe2f3; padding: 10px; border-radius: 25px;\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"qg\">Quick Guide: How to Bypass ESPN Blackouts with a VPN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make blackouts a thing of the past and watch every game live with PIA VPN.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online\">Get PIA VPN<\/a> and install it on your device. It\u2019s fast and easy to set up, even if you\u2019ve never used a VPN before.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect to a server where the game is available to stream. This gives you a new virtual location, allowing you to get around the blackout.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheer on your favorite team!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online\"><button class=\"bg-btn-1\"> Get PIA VPN<\/button><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wd\">Why Does ESPN Blackout Games?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Picture this: You sit down, snacks in hand, ready to watch your favorite team play on ESPN, only to see a \u201cBlackout in effect\u201d message. If you\u2019re wondering what a blackout means on ESPN, the answer is fairly simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blackouts impact all the major sports leagues, including the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. Local broadcasters or regional networks often make exclusive deals with teams or leagues, giving them the broadcast and streaming rights to the game in certain areas. <strong>ESPN must then implement regional blackout restrictions to abide by these rights.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You typically run into blackouts if you live in the home territory of a team that\u2019s playing in the game. However, you can also get the blackout message if you try to watch teams from nearby cities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, let\u2019s say you\u2019re in the Chicago area and want to watch a Blackhawks game. You could get a blackout error if the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) has broadcast rights to the game. Unfortunately, that blackout can extend far outside of Chicago, even affecting viewers in nearby states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps the most extreme example of ESPN blackouts occurs in Iowa. Although the state doesn\u2019t have its own MLB team, it\u2019s in the blackout zone of six nearby teams: the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Minnesota Twins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"to\">Types of ESPN Blackouts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While <strong>each sports league has its own broadcast rights agreements that affect blackouts<\/strong>, ESPN has different types of blackouts: local and national. These blackouts apply whether you\u2019re watching on ESPN or ESPN+.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common type is local, in-market blackouts. These are the blackouts that occur when you live in or near a team\u2019s market, and a local or regional network has the rights, meaning ESPN can\u2019t broadcast the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also <strong>national blackouts that stop ESPN from showing a game in any market.<\/strong> This can happen when a national network, like NBC, has broadcast rights to a game. The result is an ESPN blackout, meaning you cannot watch the game on ESPN and must instead watch it on the national broadcast channel.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, there\u2019s no way to bypass national-level blackouts. However, this is a fairly rare occurrence and usually only happens with championship-level games, like the Super Bowl or the World Series.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you subscribe to ESPN via a streaming service, like DirecTV Stream, you may face additional issues. ESPN and DirecTV recently had a disagreement during negotiations, resulting in DirecTV removing ESPN and ESPN+ from the platform, though they\u2019ve since come to an agreement and added ESPN to their offering again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ht\">How to Get Around ESPN Blackouts on Any Device<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blackouts are frustrating, but bypassing them is easy with PIA VPN! Here\u2019s how you can do it on every device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-desktop-or-laptop-computer\">Desktop or Laptop Computer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ESPN uses your IP address to determine your location when you stream on your computer.<\/strong> To bypass blackouts, you simply need to get a new IP address in a location where the game is available.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get PIA VPN and download the app on your computer.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect to a server in a city where the game is available. For example, if you\u2019re in Los Angeles and want to watch a Lakers game that\u2019s blacked out on ESPN, you\u2019ll likely be able to watch it by selecting a server a few states away, like Colorado or Kansas. PIA has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/vpn-server\">VPN servers<\/a> spread across the US, so you can always find one that works.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Log into ESPN and enjoy the game!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-streaming-device\">Streaming Device<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re wondering how to get around an ESPN blackout on Firestick, Roku, or another device, the process is simple! Just like when you stream on a computer, ESPN uses your streaming device\u2019s IP address to check your location.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To bypass blackouts, you just need to swap your IP for one outside of the blackout zone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get a VPN and download the app onto your streaming device. PIA VPN has native apps for most popular devices, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/smart-tvs\/apple-tv-vpn\">Apple TV<\/a>, Fire TV, Android TV, and Google TV. You can also configure it on your router to use with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/smart-tvs\/roku-vpn\">Roku<\/a> and other devices that don\u2019t support VPN apps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect to a server outside of the blackout market. If you\u2019re not sure what server to connect to, you can use an ESPN blackout map to determine how far the blackout stretches and choose a server outside of this zone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open ESPN and stream the game as usual.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mobile-phone-or-tablet\">Mobile Phone or Tablet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If you\u2019re streaming on a phone or tablet, ESPN collects your location using your IP address and your phone\u2019s GPS data.<\/strong> This makes it a little trickier to bypass blackouts, but the process is straightforward.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sign up for a VPN and download the app on your phone or tablet.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Download a reputable GPS spoofer from the app store. Be sure to find a trustworthy option with positive reviews.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow the GPS spoofer\u2019s directions and change your phone or tablet\u2019s location to a place where the game is available. Note that some GPS spoofing apps require you to connect your computer and your phone in order to make the change.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once connected, open the VPN app and choose a server that matches the location of your GPS spoofer.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Log into ESPN, stream the game, and cheer on your team!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wu\">Why Use a VPN with ESPN?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A VPN allows you to avoid blackouts, ISP throttling, and streaming disruptions so you get the most out of your ESPN subscription. When you connect to a VPN server, it swaps your IP address with one from its own location, making it look like you\u2019re watching TV from that location. That means you can stream ESPN content that\u2019s not available in your region when you\u2019re traveling out of state.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, VPN encryption conceals your internet traffic from anyone who might be snooping on you, including your ISP. This protects you from activity-based ISP throttling, which sometimes occurs when your ISP wants to save bandwidth. The result? Smooth, reliable internet speeds for better video quality during the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Encryption can also help you get around network restrictions at work or school, so you never miss a tournament.<\/strong> And if you\u2019re streaming on the go and need to connect to public Wi-Fi, encryption helps keep you safe by hiding your streaming passwords and other private data from any lurking cybersleuths.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pv\">PIA VPN: The MVP for Streaming ESPN<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"744\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image1-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28928\" style=\"width:247px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image1-2.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image1-2-300x223.png 300w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image1-2-768x571.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PIA VPN makes it easy to bypass blackouts and get the best streaming experience. Our massive server network includes servers in every state, so you can always find one where your game is available to stream.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our 10-Gbps server network provides lightning-fast speeds so you get smooth streaming performance in any resolution. Additionally, a PIA VPN subscription includes unlimited bandwidth. That means you can stream for as long as you want \u2013 we\u2019ll never slow you down or cut you off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can watch ESPN however you like with PIA VPN. We have easy-to-use apps for all the major streaming devices, including computers, phones, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/smart-tvs\/android-tv-vpn\">Android TV<\/a>, Fire TV, and Apple TV. It\u2019s easy to get set up, but if you run into any questions, our 24\/7 customer support team is always here to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try it for yourself with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/vpn-features\/free-trial-vpn\">30-day money-back guarantee<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online\"><button class=\"bg-btn-1\"> Get PIA VPN<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1744120478075\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why is an ESPN event blacked out in my area?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">ESPN implements blackouts when another local, regional, or national broadcaster owns the rights to a game. To abide by copyright laws, they can\u2019t show the event in any area where they do not own the rights. You can avoid blackouts by connecting to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/vpn-server\">VPN server<\/a> in a location where the event is available to stream. This gives you a new virtual location so you can watch the game live!\u00a0<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1744120493660\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I watch ESPN during a blackout?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The best way to bypass ESPN blackouts is with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online\">PIA VPN<\/a>. We have servers in all 50 US states, plus a global fleet spread around the world, so you can easily find a server where your game is available for streaming. If you aren\u2019t sure where the blackout zone ends, you can use the ESPN blackout schedule to plan accordingly.\u00a0<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1744120502438\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does ESPN detect VPNs?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">ESPN may detect and block IP addresses that it suspects are associated with VPNs. A good streaming VPN will be able to get around this. PIA VPN has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/unblock-streaming\">streaming-optimized servers<\/a> spread across the US and the globe. We regularly refresh their IP addresses to ensure you can always get reliable, error-free, and easy access to ESPN and other streaming platforms.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1744120512039\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you change your location on ESPN?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">ESPN doesn\u2019t allow you to set your location and instead uses your IP address to determine where you are. The best way to change your IP address is with a VPN. Just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/download\">download a VPN<\/a> on your streaming device, connect to a server in your desired location, and open ESPN. The platform will automatically detect your new location so you can watch games as if you were there.\u00a0<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1744120524318\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How can I check for ESPN blackouts?\u00a0<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">There are a few ways. First, you can try to watch the game on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/unblock-streaming\/espn-vpn\">ESPN<\/a>. If it\u2019s blacked out, you\u2019ll see a notification on the screen. You can check the ESPN website which carries a schedule of all the blackout games. Another option is to check any regional sports networks in your area. Any games on their schedule will likely have an ESPN blackout in your area.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1744120534060\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I use a free VPN to bypass ESPN blackouts?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Free VPNs typically don\u2019t work with streaming platforms. Even if you find one that does, their networks are usually overcrowded, which can mean slow speeds and lagging video. They also usually limit bandwidth, so you might get cut off mid-game. Instead, try PIA VPN. It works with many popular platforms, has blazing-fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/vpn-features\/free-trial-vpn\">30-day money-back guarantee<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Quick Guide: How to Bypass ESPN Blackouts with a VPN Why Does ESPN Blackout Games? Types of ESPN Blackouts How to Get Around ESPN Blackouts on Any Device Why Use a VPN with ESPN? PIA VPN: The MVP for Streaming ESPN FAQ If you\u2019re a sports fan, chances are you\u2019ve occasionally dealt &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;How to Get Around ESPN Blackout Restrictions in 2026&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":121,"featured_media":28927,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2726],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.9 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Get Around ESPN Blackouts in 2026 (Fast and Easy!)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to bypass ESPN blackout restrictions easily with PIA VPN. Smooth streaming and 30-day money-back guarantee.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Get Around ESPN Blackout Restrictions in 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to bypass ESPN blackout restrictions easily with PIA VPN. Smooth streaming and 30-day money-back guarantee.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"PIA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privateinternetaccess\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-04-08T13:59:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-27T11:23:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"721\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ginny Dorn\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@buyvpnservice\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@buyvpnservice\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ginny Dorn\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ginny Dorn\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/03376b6167602a24cb80ef1a854a89be\"},\"headline\":\"How to Get Around ESPN Blackout Restrictions in 2026\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-08T13:59:26+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-27T11:23:05+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/\"},\"wordCount\":1952,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Entertainment\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/\",\"name\":\"How to Get Around ESPN Blackouts in [year] (Fast and Easy!)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-08T13:59:26+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-27T11:23:05+00:00\",\"description\":\"Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to bypass ESPN blackout restrictions easily with PIA VPN. Smooth streaming and 30-day money-back guarantee.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120478075\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120493660\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120502438\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120512039\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120524318\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120534060\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png\",\"width\":1080,\"height\":721},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Get Around ESPN Blackout Restrictions in 2026\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"PIA\",\"description\":\"Online privacy news from around the world.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Private Internet Access\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/pialogowhitekglogo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/pialogowhitekglogo.png\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":1200,\"caption\":\"Private Internet Access\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privateinternetaccess\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/buyvpnservice\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/piavpn\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UClyJZ47Rizb1xnwuKXDI0_w\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/03376b6167602a24cb80ef1a854a89be\",\"name\":\"Ginny Dorn\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/cropped-2024-headshot-scaled-1-96x96.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/cropped-2024-headshot-scaled-1-96x96.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Ginny Dorn\"},\"description\":\"Ginny Dorn is a freelance content writer specializing in VPN technology, digital privacy, cybersecurity, and SaaS. She\u2019s passionate about bringing these topics together to help people get the most out of the internet \u2013 especially if that means enjoying more movies and music\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/author\/ginny-dorn\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120478075\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120478075\",\"name\":\"Why is an ESPN event blacked out in my area?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"ESPN implements blackouts when another local, regional, or national broadcaster owns the rights to a game. To abide by copyright laws, they can\u2019t show the event in any area where they do not own the rights. You can avoid blackouts by connecting to a <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/vpn-server\\\">VPN server<\/a> in a location where the event is available to stream. This gives you a new virtual location so you can watch the game live!\u00a0<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120493660\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120493660\",\"name\":\"How do I watch ESPN during a blackout?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The best way to bypass ESPN blackouts is with <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online\\\">PIA VPN<\/a>. We have servers in all 50 US states, plus a global fleet spread around the world, so you can easily find a server where your game is available for streaming. If you aren\u2019t sure where the blackout zone ends, you can use the ESPN blackout schedule to plan accordingly.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120502438\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120502438\",\"name\":\"Does ESPN detect VPNs?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"ESPN may detect and block IP addresses that it suspects are associated with VPNs. A good streaming VPN will be able to get around this. PIA VPN has <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/unblock-streaming\\\">streaming-optimized servers<\/a> spread across the US and the globe. We regularly refresh their IP addresses to ensure you can always get reliable, error-free, and easy access to ESPN and other streaming platforms.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120512039\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120512039\",\"name\":\"Can you change your location on ESPN?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"ESPN doesn\u2019t allow you to set your location and instead uses your IP address to determine where you are. The best way to change your IP address is with a VPN. Just <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/download\\\">download a VPN<\/a> on your streaming device, connect to a server in your desired location, and open ESPN. The platform will automatically detect your new location so you can watch games as if you were there.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120524318\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120524318\",\"name\":\"How can I check for ESPN blackouts?\u00a0\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"There are a few ways. First, you can try to watch the game on <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/unblock-streaming\/espn-vpn\\\">ESPN<\/a>. If it\u2019s blacked out, you\u2019ll see a notification on the screen. You can check the ESPN website which carries a schedule of all the blackout games. Another option is to check any regional sports networks in your area. Any games on their schedule will likely have an ESPN blackout in your area.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120534060\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120534060\",\"name\":\"Can I use a free VPN to bypass ESPN blackouts?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Free VPNs typically don\u2019t work with streaming platforms. Even if you find one that does, their networks are usually overcrowded, which can mean slow speeds and lagging video. They also usually limit bandwidth, so you might get cut off mid-game. Instead, try PIA VPN. It works with many popular platforms, has blazing-fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and a <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/vpn-features\/free-trial-vpn\\\">30-day money-back guarantee<\/a>.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Get Around ESPN Blackouts in 2026 (Fast and Easy!)","description":"Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to bypass ESPN blackout restrictions easily with PIA VPN. Smooth streaming and 30-day money-back guarantee.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Get Around ESPN Blackout Restrictions in 2026","og_description":"Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to bypass ESPN blackout restrictions easily with PIA VPN. Smooth streaming and 30-day money-back guarantee.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/","og_site_name":"PIA","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privateinternetaccess\/","article_published_time":"2025-04-08T13:59:26+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-27T11:23:05+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1080,"height":721,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Ginny Dorn","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@buyvpnservice","twitter_site":"@buyvpnservice","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Ginny Dorn","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/"},"author":{"name":"Ginny Dorn","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/03376b6167602a24cb80ef1a854a89be"},"headline":"How to Get Around ESPN Blackout Restrictions in 2026","datePublished":"2025-04-08T13:59:26+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-27T11:23:05+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/"},"wordCount":1952,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png","articleSection":["Entertainment"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/","name":"How to Get Around ESPN Blackouts in [year] (Fast and Easy!)","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png","datePublished":"2025-04-08T13:59:26+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-27T11:23:05+00:00","description":"Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to bypass ESPN blackout restrictions easily with PIA VPN. Smooth streaming and 30-day money-back guarantee.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120478075"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120493660"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120502438"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120512039"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120524318"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120534060"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sports_blog4.png","width":1080,"height":721},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Get Around ESPN Blackout Restrictions in 2026"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/","name":"PIA","description":"Online privacy news from around the world.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Private Internet Access","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/pialogowhitekglogo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/pialogowhitekglogo.png","width":1200,"height":1200,"caption":"Private Internet Access"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privateinternetaccess\/","https:\/\/x.com\/buyvpnservice","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/piavpn\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UClyJZ47Rizb1xnwuKXDI0_w"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/03376b6167602a24cb80ef1a854a89be","name":"Ginny Dorn","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/cropped-2024-headshot-scaled-1-96x96.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/cropped-2024-headshot-scaled-1-96x96.jpg","caption":"Ginny Dorn"},"description":"Ginny Dorn is a freelance content writer specializing in VPN technology, digital privacy, cybersecurity, and SaaS. She\u2019s passionate about bringing these topics together to help people get the most out of the internet \u2013 especially if that means enjoying more movies and music","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/author\/ginny-dorn\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120478075","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120478075","name":"Why is an ESPN event blacked out in my area?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"ESPN implements blackouts when another local, regional, or national broadcaster owns the rights to a game. To abide by copyright laws, they can\u2019t show the event in any area where they do not own the rights. You can avoid blackouts by connecting to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/vpn-server\">VPN server<\/a> in a location where the event is available to stream. This gives you a new virtual location so you can watch the game live!\u00a0<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120493660","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120493660","name":"How do I watch ESPN during a blackout?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The best way to bypass ESPN blackouts is with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online\">PIA VPN<\/a>. We have servers in all 50 US states, plus a global fleet spread around the world, so you can easily find a server where your game is available for streaming. If you aren\u2019t sure where the blackout zone ends, you can use the ESPN blackout schedule to plan accordingly.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120502438","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120502438","name":"Does ESPN detect VPNs?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"ESPN may detect and block IP addresses that it suspects are associated with VPNs. A good streaming VPN will be able to get around this. PIA VPN has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/unblock-streaming\">streaming-optimized servers<\/a> spread across the US and the globe. We regularly refresh their IP addresses to ensure you can always get reliable, error-free, and easy access to ESPN and other streaming platforms.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120512039","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120512039","name":"Can you change your location on ESPN?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"ESPN doesn\u2019t allow you to set your location and instead uses your IP address to determine where you are. The best way to change your IP address is with a VPN. Just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/download\">download a VPN<\/a> on your streaming device, connect to a server in your desired location, and open ESPN. The platform will automatically detect your new location so you can watch games as if you were there.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120524318","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120524318","name":"How can I check for ESPN blackouts?\u00a0","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"There are a few ways. First, you can try to watch the game on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/unblock-streaming\/espn-vpn\">ESPN<\/a>. If it\u2019s blacked out, you\u2019ll see a notification on the screen. You can check the ESPN website which carries a schedule of all the blackout games. Another option is to check any regional sports networks in your area. Any games on their schedule will likely have an ESPN blackout in your area.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120534060","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-espn-blackout\/#faq-question-1744120534060","name":"Can I use a free VPN to bypass ESPN blackouts?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Free VPNs typically don\u2019t work with streaming platforms. Even if you find one that does, their networks are usually overcrowded, which can mean slow speeds and lagging video. They also usually limit bandwidth, so you might get cut off mid-game. Instead, try PIA VPN. It works with many popular platforms, has blazing-fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/vpn-features\/free-trial-vpn\">30-day money-back guarantee<\/a>.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/121"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28926"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38501,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28926\/revisions\/38501"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}