Published on: April 21, 2023 Updated 5 times since publishing
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch the NBA From Anywhere in 2026:
- Download and install a VPN. Make sure you choose a VPN that works with streaming platforms that broadcast live NBA games. I recommend ExpressVPN because it works with all of the top NBA streaming services, has blazing-fast speeds, and is very easy to use.
- Connect to a VPN server. Scroll through the list of server locations and choose a server to connect to.
- Log into your favorite NBA streaming site or app. That’s it. Once you connect to a VPN server, you can watch the NBA online securely.
A VPN can stream NBA games on different streaming sites from any location. This is because it allows you to connect to any of its servers worldwide — if you connect to a US server, you’ll get a US IP address from that location.
A VPN also lets you watch NBA games securely. It encrypts your traffic, which makes it unreadable to anyone, including your ISP. This has the added benefit of preventing your ISP from throttling your speeds when it detects that you’re “using too much data.”
I tested dozens of VPNs to determine which ones are best for streaming NBA games. Out of my top picks, ExpressVPN stood out thanks to super-fast connection speeds and really intuitive apps for practically any streaming device.
Editor’s Note: The VPNs I recommend don’t record your streaming activities, so it’s your responsibility to follow all applicable rules and regulations. Nobody at SafetyDetectives condones copyright infringement.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Watch NBA Games on Any Device
1. Get a VPN that can access NBA content.
My recommendation is ExpressVPN since it’s compatible with all streaming platforms that carry NBA games. Plus, it’s super fast and very easy to use.
2. Download and install the VPN provider’s apps.
Download the right app for your device from the provider’s site or your device’s app store. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to install and set up the VPN app.
3. Use the VPN app to connect to a server, then start watching NBA games.
And that’s it! You can now securely start watching NBA games.
What Streaming Services Show Live NBA Games?
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Watching the NBA in 2026
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Streaming NBA Games
Basic 12-Months plan: $3.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for streaming the NBA because it works with nearly every streaming service that plays live NBA games. In fact, it’s compatible with 100+ streaming services, including NBA League Pass, Fubo, Hulu, Sling TV, Disney+, and YouTube TV. ExpressVPN has servers in 15+ locations across the US, so you can easily find a nearby server to connect to.
ExpressVPN is incredibly easy to use and supports all major devices. It has sleek and intuitive native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, and its MediaStreamer feature lets you watch NBA matches on devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈 2. Private Internet Access — Offers Servers in All 50 US States
6-month plan: $7.50 / month
1-month plan: $11.99 / month
Private Internet Access (PIA) comes with a vast server network in the US. It includes a server in every state, which means you can find a nearby server no matter where you are.
In terms of streaming, PIA works with streaming services that show NBA games like Hulu, Fubo, and YouTubeTV. I also like how it works with other top streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
🥉 3. CyberGhost VPN — Has Dedicated Streaming Servers for Watching the NBA
6-month plan: $6.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
CyberGhost VPN is fast, secure, and has specialized servers dedicated to streaming on Hulu, Fox, NBC, and DAZN US. These servers are regularly tested to ensure they work with these platforms and guarantee continuous access.
CyberGhost VPN has easy-to-use apps for all major devices. It has an intuitive interface and a well-organized server list to make it easy to find the right server for watching your next NBA game, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. I like how all of the dedicated streaming servers are listed under the For Streaming tab.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review here
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To find the best VPNs for watching the NBA from anywhere, I looked at a variety of criteria, which I break down below. All of the options on my list passed real-world tests, according to our testing methodology, and work reliably for streaming NBA games.
- I made sure it supports NBA streaming services. You’ll need to choose a VPN that works with multiple streaming services that stream NBA games. For this list, I only chose VPNs that work with platforms that stream both live and recorded NBA games.
- I checked for fast connection speeds. By encrypting your data and sending it through more distant servers, VPNs can slow down your speeds. While all of the VPNs I recommend maintain fast speeds, ExpressVPN is my top choice because it provides blazing-fast speeds on all its servers.
- I ensured it had strong security features. All of the VPNs on this list not only have industry-standard VPN security features like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy, but they also include extra security features to prevent data leaks and protect your privacy.
- I looked for apps that are easy to use. All of the VPNs on this list have easy-to-use apps for all major devices. I only chose VPNs that are easy to install and start using in just a few minutes, even if you’ve never used a VPN before.
- I checked for excellent customer service. Top VPNs offer helpful guides and tutorials and have knowledgeable representatives who can answer any questions you may have.
- I made sure it’s a good value. All of the VPNs on this list offer affordable plans, allow multiple device connections, and provide a money-back guarantee.
NBA 2026 Season Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for streaming NBA games?
My favorite VPN for watching NBA games is ExpressVPN. It provides blazing-fast speeds on all its servers, has great security features, and works with 100+ streaming services, including those that stream live and recorded NBA games.
Can I use a free VPN to watch NBA games?
Maybe, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Although a few free VPNs may allow you to watch some NBA games, most free VPNs have slow speeds, lack key security features, and often limit the amount of data you can use. This puts strict limits on how many NBA games you can watch per day or month.
I only recommend using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. It has super-fast speeds on all its servers and great security features, and it works with 100+ streaming sites, including many that broadcast live NBA games.
Is it legal to watch NBA games with a VPN?
Yes, it’s completely legal to stream NBA games using a VPN. My top choice is ExpressVPN because it works with NBA streaming sites like NBA League Pass, Hulu, Fubo, and Sling TV.
Where can I watch all NBA games?
There are many streaming sites that broadcast live NBA games — NBA League Pass is the NBA’s official streaming platform where you can watch the entire season. But there are other streaming sites like Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV that offer live NBA games.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
