Updated on: July 24, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch the NBA Online With a VPN in 2024:
- 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 one in the region where your game is streaming. Please note that if the game isn’t available in your location, using a VPN to stream it is against most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may constitute copyright infringement.
- 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.
I always stream the NBA games available in my location with a VPN for better online privacy. This has the added benefit of preventing my ISP from throttling my speeds when it detects that I’m “using too much data.”
A VPN is an app that routes your internet traffic through an encrypted virtual server. This makes your data unreadable to third parties, like your ISP or your government, and hides your real IP address, which protects you from threat actors.
Hypothetically, a VPN can also be used to stream NBA games that aren’t available where you live, since streaming platforms use your IP address to figure out your location. But please keep in mind doing so is against most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may even be regarded as copyright infringement (which isn’t something I or my colleagues at SafetyDetectives condone).
I tested dozens of VPNs to determine which ones are best for streaming NBA games. Out of my top 5 picks, ExpressVPN stood out thanks to super-fast connection speeds and really intuitive apps for practically any streaming device.
Nobody at SafetyDetectives condones copyright infringement. The VPNs I recommend don’t record your streaming activities, so we urge you to use the VPN responsibly and follow all applicable rules and regulations.
Editors' 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?
Best VPNs for Watching the NBA in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for watching the NBA in 2024:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for streaming NBA games in 2024 (it’s the fastest VPN on the market).
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Has tons of server locations in US (provides strong security for streaming NBA games).
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Provides access to really intuitive VPN apps and dedicated streaming servers.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Streaming NBA Games
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, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, 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.
ExpressVPN offers monthly and yearly plans starting at $6.67 / month. It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans so you can test it out with all of your NBA streaming services.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈 2. Private Internet Access — Offers Servers in All 50 US States
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 in the US you are. When I connected to a nearby US server, I was able to stream the NBA without any issues.
In terms of streaming, PIA works with streaming services that show NBA games like Hulu, FuboTV, and YouTubeTV. I also like how it works with other top streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
Private Internet Access offers monthly and yearly plans starting at $2.19 / month, and all its plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
🥉 3. CyberGhost VPN — Has Dedicated Streaming Servers for Watching the NBA
CyberGhost VPN is fast, secure, and has specialized servers dedicated to streaming on Hulu, Fox, NBC, and DAZN US. These servers offer great streaming speeds with minimal slowdowns, and when I tested them, I never had an issue watching a game on any of these platforms.
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.
At $2.19 / month, CyberGhost VPN offers very budget-friendly monthly plans. All long-term plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee while the monthly plan has a 14-day refund window.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review here
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching NBA Games in 2024
- Make 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.
- Check 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.
- Ensure it has strong security features. All of the VPNs on this list not only have industry-standard VPN features like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy, but they include extra security features to prevent data leaks and protect your privacy.
- Look 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.
- Check for excellent customer service. Top VPNs offer helpful guides and tutorials and have knowledgeable representatives who can answer any questions you may have.
- Make 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.
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, FuboTV, 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.
