Watching march madness in Europe

M

Messimorgan17

Member
Unfortunately, I will be traveling in Europe doing March madness ( from the second round thru the elite eight)? The worst possible time since we are having a great year.
what options are available to see the games in Europe without going into a bar with satellite?
I noticed that the March madness, live app, Paramount +, etc. apps that stream the games will not work if I’m outside the United States and it’s territories
I read somewhere that if you use a VPN, you can bypass this restriction and use those apps to catch the games.
Has anyone had experience using a VPN bypass this restriction?
If so, can anyone recommend a reliable VPN that works with the US streaming services and help me set it up on my Apple devices?
If this does work, is there any other options to watch the games while traveling in Europe?
If this is an inappropriate question, I apologize to all.
Thanks.
 
I set up a vpn back to my home router for an intl trip once. Worked fine with my laptop.

I’ve read that some phone/tablet apps won’t work without gps-based location services enabled on the device, so the vpn solution doesn’t work for them.

-jk
 
I was curious how ESPN etc figure where you are despite VPNs. Here is chatgpt response.

ESPN and other streaming services use advanced techniques to detect and block VPNs, ensuring they enforce regional restrictions. Here’s how they might still determine your real location despite using a VPN:

1. VPN IP Blacklisting

ESPN maintains a database of known VPN server IP addresses. If your VPN provider's IPs are flagged, ESPN can detect and block them.


2. DNS Leaks

If your device is using your ISP’s DNS instead of the VPN’s, ESPN can see your real location. You can test for DNS leaks online and ensure your VPN forces DNS requests through its own servers.


3. WebRTC Leaks

Browsers (especially Chrome and Edge) use WebRTC for real-time communication, which can reveal your actual IP address, bypassing the VPN. You can disable WebRTC in browser settings or use an extension to block it.


4. GPS & Device Location

If you're on a mobile device, ESPN's app or website may request location access via GPS. If granted, it can override your VPN location.

Fix: Turn off location services or use a fake GPS app (on Android) to match your VPN location.


5. Cookies & Tracking Data

ESPN can track previous login locations via cookies, browser fingerprints, and stored cache.

Fix: Clear cookies, use incognito mode, or use a browser extension that blocks trackers.


6. Account Information

If you’ve previously logged into ESPN from a real location, your account might be linked to that region, making VPN use ineffective.

Fix: Create a new ESPN account while connected to your VPN.


7. Wi-Fi & ISP Data

If you're on a home network, ESPN may correlate your IP with your ISP’s geolocation records.

Fix: Try using mobile data with your VPN or a different Wi-Fi network.


How to Improve VPN Effectiveness for ESPN

1. Use a VPN with Residential IPs – Some premium VPNs offer residential IP addresses, which are harder for ESPN to detect.


2. Switch VPN Servers – Some VPNs refresh IPs frequently; switching to a different server may work.


3. Use a Dedicated IP – Some VPNs offer dedicated IPs that aren’t blacklisted.


4. Contact VPN Support – Some VPN providers can recommend specific servers that work with ESPN.

(I asked if Proton has residential IP). The last smart DNS trick is worth looking into

Many streaming platforms maintain databases of known VPN server IPs, which makes Proton VPN less reliable for bypassing geo-restrictions on services like ESPN.

Alternative Solutions

If you need a residential IP for streaming, consider VPN providers that offer:

1. Residential IPs – VPN services like Tuxler, Hola (not recommended due to privacy risks), or some custom setups with proxies.


2. Dedicated IPs – Some VPNs like NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark offer dedicated IP addresses that aren’t shared with other users, making them less likely to be blacklisted.


3. Smart DNS Services – Instead of a VPN, try Smart DNS providers like Unlocator or SmartDNSProxy, which work well for streaming.
 
DonerKebab said:
I was curious how ESPN etc figure where you are despite VPNs. Here is chatgpt response.

ESPN and other streaming services use advanced techniques to detect and block VPNs, ensuring they enforce regional restrictions. Here’s how they might still determine your real location despite using a VPN:

1. VPN IP Blacklisting

ESPN maintains a database of known VPN server IP addresses. If your VPN provider's IPs are flagged, ESPN can detect and block them.


2. DNS Leaks

If your device is using your ISP’s DNS instead of the VPN’s, ESPN can see your real location. You can test for DNS leaks online and ensure your VPN forces DNS requests through its own servers.


3. WebRTC Leaks

Browsers (especially Chrome and Edge) use WebRTC for real-time communication, which can reveal your actual IP address, bypassing the VPN. You can disable WebRTC in browser settings or use an extension to block it.


4. GPS & Device Location

If you're on a mobile device, ESPN's app or website may request location access via GPS. If granted, it can override your VPN location.

Fix: Turn off location services or use a fake GPS app (on Android) to match your VPN location.


5. Cookies & Tracking Data

ESPN can track previous login locations via cookies, browser fingerprints, and stored cache.

Fix: Clear cookies, use incognito mode, or use a browser extension that blocks trackers.


6. Account Information

If you’ve previously logged into ESPN from a real location, your account might be linked to that region, making VPN use ineffective.

Fix: Create a new ESPN account while connected to your VPN.


7. Wi-Fi & ISP Data

If you're on a home network, ESPN may correlate your IP with your ISP’s geolocation records.

Fix: Try using mobile data with your VPN or a different Wi-Fi network.


How to Improve VPN Effectiveness for ESPN

1. Use a VPN with Residential IPs – Some premium VPNs offer residential IP addresses, which are harder for ESPN to detect.


2. Switch VPN Servers – Some VPNs refresh IPs frequently; switching to a different server may work.


3. Use a Dedicated IP – Some VPNs offer dedicated IPs that aren’t blacklisted.


4. Contact VPN Support – Some VPN providers can recommend specific servers that work with ESPN.

(I asked if Proton has residential IP). The last smart DNS trick is worth looking into

Many streaming platforms maintain databases of known VPN server IPs, which makes Proton VPN less reliable for bypassing geo-restrictions on services like ESPN.

Alternative Solutions

If you need a residential IP for streaming, consider VPN providers that offer:

1. Residential IPs – VPN services like Tuxler, Hola (not recommended due to privacy risks), or some custom setups with proxies.


2. Dedicated IPs – Some VPNs like NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark offer dedicated IP addresses that aren’t shared with other users, making them less likely to be blacklisted.


3. Smart DNS Services – Instead of a VPN, try Smart DNS providers like Unlocator or SmartDNSProxy, which work well for streaming.
Click to expand...
Wow, it’s so complicated. It might not be worth the effort. Also, the other issue is whether you can watch games that have been completed on demand. With the time difference, I’m not willing to watch a game at 2 o’clock in the morning local time.
 
It can be. But turn off location services as a start and use cellular to avoid GPS thru WiFi. It has been a while but I think that is how I was able to defeat ESPN while I was in turkey. I use the VPN and then switch to the cellular disabling wifi and then start the game. Once the game gets going, I went and re-enabled wifi since I didn't have a ton of data on my plan
 
I’m gonna be in Europe for the sweet 16 and elite 8 too. As I have been a couple of times in the past when I used a VPN to watch live at 3 AM. I also have heard that a lot of the VPNs now are recognized and blocked. But why all the discussion of what ESPN does? The games are on CBS, TNT, and Tru like usual arent they?
 
tommy said:
I’m gonna be in Europe for the sweet 16 and elite 8 too. As I have been a couple of times in the past when I used a VPN to watch live at 3 AM. I also have heard that a lot of the VPNs now are recognized and blocked. But why all the discussion of what ESPN does? The games are on CBS, TNT, and Tru like usual arent they?
Click to expand...

I used ESPN as an example because I had a few VPNs not work with them in the past.
 
So far this week there have been reliable streams of ESPN games on Youtube that haven't been taken down.

I'm in the UK, where Sky Sports has the TV rights to ESPN college basketball (and pretty much entirely wastes it), so I'm hopeful Youtube/Sky not axing these streams will carry on through the NCAA Tournament (which is televised by ESPN internationally).

ESPN can go to hell for killing its international ESPN Player to save a pittance just so it can then pay Stephen A. Smith $20 million/year.
 
BrummieDevil said:
So far this week there have been reliable streams of ESPN games on Youtube that haven't been taken down.

I'm in the UK, where Sky Sports has the TV rights to ESPN college basketball (and pretty much entirely wastes it), so I'm hopeful Youtube/Sky not axing these streams will carry on through the NCAA Tournament (which is televised by ESPN internationally).

ESPN can go to hell for killing its international ESPN Player to save a pittance just so it can then pay Stephen A. Smith $20 million/year.
Click to expand...
D’ya ever think they may have done that to save the rest of the world from having Stephen A. Smith foisted upon them?

I will be overseas during the Final Four; I hope that wanting to watch the games will be a problem.
 
BrummieDevil said:
So far this week there have been reliable streams of ESPN games on Youtube that haven't been taken down.

I'm in the UK, where Sky Sports has the TV rights to ESPN college basketball (and pretty much entirely wastes it), so I'm hopeful Youtube/Sky not axing these streams will carry on through the NCAA Tournament (which is televised by ESPN internationally).

ESPN can go to hell for killing its international ESPN Player to save a pittance just so it can then pay Stephen A. Smith $20 million/year.
Click to expand...
100% agree with the bolded.

Also agree that YouTube streams have been great this week (not sure if this will carry on in the tournament)

I will also add I managed to watch the tournament live last year through the CBS (I think) website. Not sure how I pulled that off in the UK but I did.
 
DonerKebab said:
I used ESPN as an example because I had a few VPNs not work with them in the past.
Click to expand...
All of you guys are very helpful. I appreciate all of your advice….Which vpns did not work and which ones did . It’s interesting I found an article in PC magazine, which rated the best VPNs and I’m wondering if those are on espns or other streaming services radar.
 
Messimorgan17 said:
Wow, it’s so complicated. It might not be worth the effort. Also, the other issue is whether you can watch games that have been completed on demand. With the time difference, I’m not willing to watch a game at 2 o’clock in the morning local time.
Click to expand...
Not really. It's a cat and mouse game with VPNs. They have to rotate there IPs after they've been flagged. Most VPNs will list if streaming is an feature. Using it is easy. Just start the app, pick a country and server and hit connect.

You can try a couple of the free ones (Proton VPN and Windscribe). I've used the free Windscribe in the US to watch live programming from the UK. It works with ITV but extremely spotty with iBBC player although that might be something with my browser security configuration. The two problems with the free ones is the limited selection of servers (meaning it's easier to have them flagged) and the bandwidth limits. If you are using a paid VPN use one of the establish companies (Express VPN, Nord, PIT, Proton, etc).

-jk said:
I set up a vpn back to my home router for an intl trip once. Worked fine with my laptop.

I’ve read that some phone/tablet apps won’t work without gps-based location services enabled on the device, so the vpn solution doesn’t work for them.

-jk
Click to expand...
This might be a restriction but I have location sharing off for almost all apps (ESPN+, Amazon, Peacock, Paramount+) and they just revert to the IP. For the NCAAs you don't have to use the app. You can use a web browser if the app is geoblocked. Your recommendation of dialing home is the best solution but require a bit of IT know how.
 
OldPhiKap said:
D’ya ever think they may have done that to save the rest of the world from having Stephen A. Smith foisted upon them?

I will be overseas during the Final Four; I hope that wanting to watch the games will be a problem.
Click to expand...
Once the big dance starts, ESPN is irrelevant since it does not carry those men tourney games. The games are on CBS TNT TBS etc. so those are the streaming services that you can watch the games march madness live, Paramount +, Hulu, max etc..

March madness live for example says it only works in the US and its territories.
 
tommy said:
I’m gonna be in Europe for the sweet 16 and elite 8 too. As I have been a couple of times in the past when I used a VPN to watch live at 3 AM. I also have heard that a lot of the VPNs now are recognized and blocked. But why all the discussion of what ESPN does? The games are on CBS, TNT, and Tru like usual arent they?
Click to expand...
Yes. Agreed. ESPN is irrelevant.
 
In response to the above mentions of ESPN...

ESPN has international TV rights to the NCAA Tournament, so when it had its own subscription streaming app internationally (the aforementioned defunct ESPN Player) you could watch every tourney game there. Now that it's gone, they sell TV rights country by country (if at all), so in the UK they've sold the rights to Sky Sports, who airs ESPN's international feed, which has ESPN announcers (ever wanted to hear Dickie V call a Duke game at the Final Four?) and graphics.

Screenshot 2025-03-13 at 13.54.18.png

So it's worth looking into whether or not the country you'll be in during the tournament has the games available "legally" through one sports broadcaster/streamer or another. That's honestly the easiest way to do it when you can.

Personally, I've never used a VPN abroad that really works with U.S. apps for live sports.
 
Kdogg said:
Not really. It's a cat and mouse game with VPNs. They have to rotate there IPs after they've been flagged. Most VPNs will list if streaming is an feature. Using it is easy. Just start the app, pick a country and server and hit connect.

You can try a couple of the free ones (Proton VPN and Windscribe). I've used the free Windscribe in the US to watch live programming from the UK. It works with ITV but extremely spotty with iBBC player although that might be something with my browser security configuration. The two problems with the free ones is the limited selection of servers (meaning it's easier to have them flagged) and the bandwidth limits. If you are using a paid VPN use one of the establish companies (Express VPN, Nord, PIT, Proton, etc).


This might be a restriction but I have location sharing off for almost all apps (ESPN+, Amazon, Peacock, Paramount+) and they just revert to the IP. For the NCAAs you don't have to use the app. You can use a web browser if the app is geoblocked. Your recommendation of dialing home is the best solution but require a bit of IT know how.
Click to expand...

I've been getting certified in cybersecurity and been interested in these subjects and I will say that be careful about free vpns into your research because if it's free there's a reason it's free. Proton is solid though. But do your research. One month of VPN is not expensive.

www.eccu.edu

Security Risks: The Dangers of Using Free VPNs

People use VPNs for a variety of reasons, including online privacy, security, and accessing geo-restricted content.
www.eccu.edu www.eccu.edu
 
I was in Brazil in January and signed up for Nord VPN. I still couldn’t watch YouTube TV though. Sigh. However I did manage to watch via YouTube as others have discussed. I’ll be overseas again in the UK in two weeks time. I think I’ll just try YouTube again.
 
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