When SportsNet LA launched, it marked a shift in broadcasting rights for professional sports teams. The Dodgers signed a 25-year, $8.35 billion contract to form the network, providing 162-game coverage and unparalleled access to the team with gameday and behind-the-scenes programming.
However, when the Los Angeles Dodgers open the 2023 season on March 30, some non-local fans will be left in the dark due to old-school blackout rules that prevent some from watching games based on where they live. Notably, fans who can’t opt for Spectrum will be left in the dark or forced to find other means.
With declining interest in baseball, you would think Major League Baseball (MLB) might finally address this policy and make it possible for more people to watch games. Unfortunately, that doesn’t look to be happening any time soon.
Worse, anyone who tried to stream MLB games outside the US or Canada was effectively blocked. Fortunately, there is a solution to stream baseball on TV today, live via trusted and reviewed virtual private networks (VPNs) that allow for fast and safe connections from anywhere around the world, from one of the three major USA sports outlets.
1. ESPN
In 2022 ESPN signed a 7-year deal with MLB for exclusive rights to many MLB games. ESPN provides high-quality videos and its brand of coverage, including high-profile commentators such as World Series Champion and analyst Alex Rodriguez, Matt Vasgersian, and sideline reporter, Senior MLB Insider Buster Olney. ESPN limits its viewing to the US and Canadian markets and often requires a cable subscription.
3. TBS
TBS works with many other broadcasters worldwide and streams a limited number of games under license by MLB. TBS is most often provided through a cable agreement or DirectTV. This year TBS will showcase one of the American League Wild Card series and serve as the exclusive broadcaster of the American League Division Series and American League Championship Series.
4. MLB.TV
MLB.TV is the official platform that broadcasts MLB games in the USA and Canada. It is a subscription-only service, though it often offers free games to viewers throughout the season. The platform is responsive enough to support streaming from any compatible device or computer via proprietary apps or web browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.
Streaming From Outside USA and Canada
Currently MLB.TV is the most convenient and diverse platform for streaming baseball. However, even for subscribers, it is limited to the USA and Canada. Systems identify geolocation using your device’s Internet Protocol (IP) address. To stream MLB.TV from any other location, you need an alternative to bypass the geolocation restrictions.
Thanks to VPNs and VPN software, this can be done.
VPNs like VeePN can mask or change your geolocation to allow streaming, effectively allowing you to bypass sports blackouts. Looking to watch games while on vacation in Columbia? No problem with a VPN like VeePN.
How to Use a VPN to Watch MLB.TV
To stream via a VPN, you must choose a good VPN provider. To avoid blackouts, the provider must operate at high speeds and have server locations within your team’s locality. High rates are critical to video quality playback and can mean the difference between being able to view a game live or not.
- Install: To start, you must download and install the software or app on your device. When you launch VPN software, you will generally be asked to select a preferred location. The VPN will then route your connection through this geolocation.
- Subscribe to MLB.TV: From your browser or MLB.TV app, you can subscribe with a valid email address and a credit card. Once subscribed, you will have full access to MLB.TV’s game broadcasts and features.
Browse Securely
VPNs encrypt your activities on the internet to allow you to browse anonymously. This allows you to stream videos that are blacked out due to location and will enable you to surf anonymously as VPNs mask your IP address.
Quick Tips for Easy VPN Streaming
- Clear Browser Cookies: If you have already logged into MLB.TV before launching the VPN, you may find yourself blacked out. MLB.TV drops a cookie that it uses to identify your location. You must clear out old cookies and refresh the page once you re-connect. Refreshing the page clears your browser cookies that contain any geolocation details.
- Re-Install App: If you’re still having trouble, you may need to start from scratch. Sometimes when using VPNs on a Smart TV, the MLB app malfunctions. In that case, one of the best tips is to uninstall the app, refresh the device, then install it again.
