ESPN launched in 1979 in the US and it was the first all-sports network. ESPN Inc, a joint venture of Walt Disney and Hearst Communications, currently owns the network. It is known around the world for its great sports coverage, in-depth interviews, and different programs on various sports. To watch this network, you need to have a cable/satellite subscription or access to a streaming service. You also need to be inside the US or territories. If you are outside of the US, we can help you with how to unblock ESPN by using a VPN.
Quickstart Guide for Using a VPN with ESPN
For the quickest and easiest way to watch ESPN, follow these steps.
- Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money back guarantee).
- Once you have opened the client, locate a server in the United States.
- Open a browser and connect to the WatchESPN website or app. Keep in mind you will need to sign with your credentials from your cable or satellite subscription. If you do not have access to one of those, you will need to sign up for an external service like Sling TV or one of the other services. You will want to register with the VPN on as well.
- Watch and enjoy all of the great sports-related programs on ESPN.
How to Watch ESPN with ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking popular streaming services and live sporting events. The ExpressVPN team has combined their VPN service with a Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer. The combination will protect your privacy and unblock access to a wide range of content all over the world. You can run the ExpressVPN app on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and router. The MediaStreamer service extends support to streaming media devices (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Kodi boxes, etc.), Smart TVs, gaming consoles (PS4, Xbox One, Switch), and more.
The team at ExpressVPN is currently offering our visitors a discount on their all-inclusive VPN service. You can enjoy unlimited access to both their VPN network and MediaStreamer service for 49% off with 3 months free. In addition, they are offering a 30-day money back guarantee to all new members so you won’t feel rushed while testing the service. You’ll have a month to watch live events, unblock streaming services, and fully experience the advantages of ExpressVPN. You can expect to be quite impressed with the service.
How to Watch ESPN with NordVPN
NordVPN is a good choice for unblocking live sporting events and streaming services. The VPN will help you unblock Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and many more channels. You still need a subscription for paid services like CBS All Access but NordVPN will help you unblock the geo-restrictions. They are one of the few VPNs that can still access Netflix US from outside the United States. This makes NordVPN a great choice for those who want to stream content from other regions of the world.
As you can see, the NordVPN app is easy to use. You can select a server location from the map or from a list of countries. Unfortunately, NordVPN doesn’t let you choose a specific city in locations like the United States. However, it will pick a server based on your current location. We found this to result in slower speeds than ExpressVPN. At times we had to try a few different servers to find one that offered the performance we desired. Otherwise, NordVPN offers everything you need to unblock your favorite websites.
How to Watch ESPN with PIA VPN
Private Internet Access, often referred to as PIA, is one of the most popular VPN services in the world. They are headquartered in Silicon Valley and have contributed heavily to the privacy community. You have likely seen PIA in the news as they support a wide range of privacy-related campaigns. From full-page ads to promote privacy bills to support of the open source community, the PIA team is a strong privacy advocate. You will find the VPN service offers everything you need to encrypt your connection and unblock access to many of your favorite web sites.
We have experienced positive results when trying to access Netflix through PIA. You will find that popular streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer are getting good at blocking VPNs. It’s a game of cat and mouse in which the VPNs find ways to stay ahead of the game. In addition to unblocking restrictions, PIA is also very popular in the file sharing community. Torrent users turn to PIA to secure their privacy with sites like TorrentFreak promoting the service. You will find that PIA has a lot to offer for a very reasonable price.
After looking at the options above, here’s a look at some of the specific sports available on ESPN.
- College Football
- College Basketball
- NBA
- Boxing
- Auto Racing
- Horse Racing
- Rugby
- Golf
- Olympic Sports
- eSports
- Cricket
Of course, there are several other options. Those include other sports, news shows, in-depth interviews, and more. Remember, you will need to sign in or register before you can watch anything. You also need to be connected to a VPN first, or you will face geo-blocks outside the US.
About Geo-blocks
Geo-blocks are often annoying. Because of world licensing and broadcasting rights, the media companies like ESPN block anyone outside of their targeted area. In other words, if you are traveling, want to watch region specific coverage, or just want to to see what sports are on at the time, the blocking software will stop you. Since it can detect IP addresses, it can tell if you are outside of the targeted area. By connecting to a VPN, the blocking software will think you are located someplace else. Of course, you can gain access to other channels when you use one.
Not All VPNs Will Unblock ESPN
The truth is, the community is littered with ineffective VPN products. Though they may help you in other ways, you are removing one of the biggest benefits of a VPN if it does not unblock geo-restrictions. Even some of the more well-known providers do not work well to get you past those types of blocks. There is no point in trying to access ESPN if the VPN service is not working as intended. That is why we suggest the options we mentioned above.
You now have some great tools to use so you can unblock ESPN. Though there are other providers available, we think you’ll be happy with our choices. If you are a fan of programming there or want to check out something new, you don’t have to miss out on great shows because of where you are. If your goal is to unblock the network, this post will help you.
