Why NBA League Pass Games Get Blacked Out

If you’re an avid basketball fan, you’ve probably heard of NBA League Pass. It’s a subscription-based service that allows fans to watch live and on-demand NBA games. However, one of the most frustrating things about NBA League Pass is when games get blacked out. In this article, we’ll explore why NBA League Pass games get blacked out and what you can do about it.

What is a Blackout?

Before we dive into the reasons why NBA League Pass games get blacked out, let’s first define what a blackout is. A blackout occurs when a game is not available for viewing in a certain area. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as licensing agreements or local television contracts.

Local Television Contracts

One of the main reasons why NBA League Pass games get blacked out is due to local television contracts. These contracts give local broadcasters the exclusive rights to air certain games in their area. This means that if you live in the same area as the team you want to watch, you won’t be able to watch their games on NBA League Pass.

For example, if you live in Los Angeles and want to watch the Lakers play, you won’t be able to do so on NBA League Pass if the game is being broadcasted on a local channel. This is because the local broadcaster has exclusive rights to air the game in that area.

National Television Contracts

Another reason why NBA League Pass games get blacked out is due to national television contracts. These contracts give national broadcasters the exclusive rights to air certain games across the country. This means that if a game is being broadcasted nationally, it won’t be available on NBA League Pass.

For example, if there’s a nationally televised game between the Lakers and the Warriors, you won’t be able to watch it on NBA League Pass. This is because the national broadcaster has exclusive rights to air the game across the country.

International Blackouts

In addition to local and national blackouts, NBA League Pass games can also get blacked out internationally. This happens when a game is being broadcasted in a certain country, and NBA League Pass doesn’t have the rights to air it in that country.

For example, if you’re in Canada and want to watch a game that’s being broadcasted on a Canadian channel, you won’t be able to watch it on NBA League Pass. This is because the Canadian broadcaster has exclusive rights to air the game in that country.

What Can You Do About It?

If you’re frustrated with NBA League Pass blackouts, there are a few things you can do about it. The first thing you can do is check if the game is being broadcasted locally or nationally. If it’s being broadcasted locally, you may be able to watch it on your local channel. If it’s being broadcasted nationally, you may be able to watch it on a national channel.

Another option is to use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN allows you to change your location and bypass local blackouts. However, it’s important to note that using a VPN may violate NBA League Pass’s terms of service.

Lastly, you can consider subscribing to a cable or satellite service that includes the channels that broadcast your favorite team’s games. This will ensure that you can watch all of their games without any blackouts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NBA League Pass games get blacked out for a variety of reasons, including local and national television contracts and international blackouts. While this can be frustrating for fans, there are ways to work around it, such as checking local and national broadcasts, using a VPN, or subscribing to a cable or satellite service. By understanding why NBA League Pass games get blacked out and exploring your options, you can ensure that you never miss a game again.