NBA Playoffs 2025: How to Stream Every Game Outside the U.S.

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Basketball is a global game, and the NBA's biggest stars — like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Domantas Sabonis — are proof of the league's international appeal. With players from all over the world making an impact, it's no surprise that the NBA has built a massive fanbase across nearly every continent. Last season, a record-setting 125 international players from 40 countries were on opening day rosters — and those numbers continue to grow. For fans around the world eager to catch every dunk, pass, and buzzer-beater, we've got you covered on how to watch NBA games internationally in 2025.

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Right now, all eyes are on the NBA Playoffs, with the NBA Finals fast approaching. If you're watching from outside the U.S., you've got a few main options to keep up with the action: NBA League Pass, ESPN, ABC, and TNT. NBA League Pass is widely available in most countries and offers access to a huge slate of games — but it won't include matchups aired on ESPN, ABC, or TNT.

To get around that, many international viewers use a VPN to access U.S.-based streaming services. A VPN masks your location and allows you to sign in to platforms like Hulu + Live TV or DIRECTV STREAM, which carry those channels. Once you're set up, you can stream ESPN, ABC, and TNT's NBA coverage just like viewers in the U.S.

Setting up your streaming options now is key — especially with the Playoffs heating up and the Finals just around the corner. Whether you're cheering courtside from Europe, Asia, Africa, or anywhere else in the world, you won't want to miss a second of the postseason drama.

How to Watch NBA Games on NBA League Pass

NBA League Pass pretty much trumps all when it comes to watching NBA games internationally throughout the season, but it's important to take note of a few caveats. First, NBA League Pass is currently not available in Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, Japan, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk People's Republic, and Luhansk People's Republic). Second, due to blackout restrictions and exclusivity deals, you can't use League Pass to watch nationally (in the U.S.) televised games on ESPN, TNT, and ABC. Nonetheless, NBA League Pass is your best bet if you want to watch as many NBA games as possible while abroad. 

Subscription plans cost $24.99/month for League Pass Premium, which gets you live and on-demand archived games on up to three devices, multiview with up to four games at once, offline viewing, and in-arena stream instead of commercials. The lower-tier version of the League Pass is $16.99/month, which gets you streaming on one device, multiview on up to four games at once, no offline viewing, and commercials.

How to Watch NBA Games from anywhere with a VPN

If you're tuning in from outside the U.S., using a VPN is a game-changer. Services like ExpressVPN (a favorite for smooth sports streaming), NordVPN (known for lightning-fast speeds), and Private Internet Access (great if you're watching your wallet) make it simple. Just connect to a U.S. server, open your preferred streaming platform, and boom — you're courtside for every fast break and buzzer-beater with zero hassle.

• Sign up for ExpressVPN
• Sign up for Private Internet Access
• Sign up for NordVPN

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