Every football fan would agree that blackouts are the most frustrating things to deal with when streaming live NFL or CFL games. Blackouts limit access to the broadcast in the first place, mainly from particular areas, restricting local fans who do not know how to use a VPN from watching their home team play.

You will need a reliable sports broadcaster that provides live coverage of the NFL and a means to bypass restricted broadcast areas. 

In this article, we are going to treat all there is to know about the use of VPNs as the most effective and secure way to watch live NFL games from the US without any disturbance.

What are NFL Blackouts? 

As we move forward to explore the mechanics of VPNs, it’s essential to understand how and why blackouts happen in the first place.

Broadcasters often impose blackouts in coordination with sports leagues to force viewers to watch the events live.

Aside from the Super Bowl, the NFL will only broadcast a game inside its local market if ticket sales could be better. This forces fans to either attend the game in person or find alternative means to keep track of it. This is a considerable concern for fans who depend on their local TV stations to see the game.

Blackouts also happen in situations when local TV stations are the only ones authorized to broadcast the game. They restrict which territories are allowed to see the games shown on other streaming services like NFL Sunday Ticket, Game Pass International, and Sling TV.

After the NFL lifted the blackout regulation in 2015, the practice was mainly discontinued. Regardless of stadium attendance, all local games must be televised. But you should also be prepared for further limitations of the same kind. If a blackout policy is ever reinstated, users may, at the very least, get around this limitation by utilizing a VPN.

What is a VPN, and How Does It Work?

VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that lets users connect to the Internet anonymously from a separate server. By directing users through the VPN server instead of their actual geographic location, a VPN hides the user’s true location.

The capacity to move digitally is what makes it possible to get around geographical restrictions like NFL blackouts and out-of-market games.

Does Using a VPN Actually Save You Money?

In addition to getting around blackout restrictions, watching out-of-market NFL games via a VPN may sometimes be less expensive than having several streaming service subscriptions.

Typically, watching local games is easy since they’re broadcast on local TV channels. It becomes a bit trickier, though, when it comes to out-of-market events like Thursday Night Football or games that are exclusive to FOX, ESPN, or CBS for other regions.

Naturally, in order to view more NFL games, you would need to pay for a number of pricey platforms like the NFL Sunday Ticket. But if you use a VPN, you may get live coverage for a lot less money than you would if you bought an expensive streaming subscription.

For example, you could connect to a server in another state to watch an out-of-market game telecast on FOX or CBS affiliates of that state. This makes using a VPN in combination with a streaming service that offers NFL channels a perfect solution and a cheap way to watch most out-of-market games.

How to Stream With a VPN

As it turns out, avoiding NFL blackouts using a VPN is very easy. All you have to do is to follow the steps outlined below:

Pick a Reliable VPN Service: Not all VPN servers are optimized for streaming. Some streaming services, like Netflix and Hulu, are known for blocking VPN traffic, and NFL streaming platforms might do the same.

To avoid this, make sure the service you choose has the following features: a quick connection speed, lots of global servers, and vital “unblocking” capabilities. Some widely-recognized VPN services that feature this kind of priority include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.

Download and Install VPN software: Once you’ve selected a VPN service provider, download the software for your device—a laptop, smartphone, or smart TV—that you want to use to watch NFL games.

Connect to a VPN Server in an Unrestricted Region: Launch the VPN application and select a server outside of the blackout area. For example, if there is a blackout in New York, you can resolve this by connecting to a server in another state or even another country

Access Your NFL Streaming Service: With your VPN connection active, head to your preferred NFL streaming platform (like NFL Game Pass, Sling TV, or YouTube TV) and start streaming the game as you usually would.

Pro Tip: Key Considerations When Using a VPN

While VPNs are an excellent tool for bypassing blackouts, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Speed and Reliability: Streaming NFL games requires a stable, high-speed internet connection. Some VPNs slow down your connection due to the encryption process or overloaded servers, which may lead to buffering or lower video quality. Opt for a VPN known for fast speeds, and consider choosing a server close to your actual location to minimize lag.

Legal Implications: It’s important to note that while VPNs themselves are legal in most countries, bypassing blackout restrictions may violate the terms of service of your streaming provider. Always be aware of the legal implications in your country and with your chosen streaming service.

Use a Free Trial VPN for NFL Streaming: Free VPNs may seem like cheaper options, but they often fall short when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions and offering the speed necessary for live NFL game streaming. Instead, consider using a free trial from a premium VPN provider.

Services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and others offer free trials or money-back guarantees, allowing you to enjoy fast, reliable connections with unlimited data for a limited time.

Conclusion

In essence, just be sure to choose a VPN service that offers fast, secure, and reliable connections to ensure you don’t miss a single play. And while VPNs provide a great solution, always stay mindful of the legal considerations when using one to bypass blackout restrictions.