Sling This Content Is Subject To Blackout (2025)

FAQs

How do I get rid of blackout restrictions on Sling TV? ›

A VPN allows you to bypass these geo-restrictions by masking your real IP address and location. Once connected to a US VPN server, Sling TV will think you're accessing it from within the US and grant you full access.

If a live game is unavailable at your location, you'll get a blackout restriction message when you try to watch it. If a game is blacked out for your location, check your local listings to find out where the event is being broadcast in your area.

If you see a message that states, "This content is subject to blackout", this is because the event that you requested is not available on ESPN in your location. Your location is determined by your IP Address.

Blackouts are specific to your location. The location is determined by the IP address or location services. Search your Zip Code under "What can I watch?" A subscription to NBA League Pass gives you live and on-demand games, but blackout restrictions still apply.

A slow or unstable internet connection can cause buffering or streaming issues, leading to a black screen on #SlingTV. If your internet connection is not strong enough to handle the streaming content, you may experience the go black screen issue.

Fortunately, there is a solution on how to get around ESPN blackouts using a reliable streaming VPN. I tested many different VPN providers and concluded that NordVPN is the best option to bypass blackout restrictions on ESPN. NordVPN successfully bypassed blackouts and provided a high-quality streaming experience.

Blackout restrictions exist because local and national content providers have certain exclusive rights to televise live games and content. The audio of games that are blacked out will be available to listen live.

User reports indicate no current problems at Sling.

Some channels may occasionally restrict viewing or black out certain events, shows and movies. Blackout rules are set by the leagues, content owners and networks that purchase the rights to a particular broadcast.

In broadcasting, the term blackout refers to the non-airing of television or radio programming in a certain media market. It is particularly prevalent in the broadcasting of sports events, although other television or radio programs may be blacked out as well.

What does it mean if an event has been blacked out? ›

A “sports blackout” occurs when a sports event that was scheduled to be televised is not aired in a particular media market. A blackout may prevent transmission of sports programming on local broadcast networks and/or non-broadcast platforms such as cable and satellite television.

: a period of darkness enforced as a precaution against air raids. c. : a period of darkness (as in a city) caused by a failure of electrical power.

However, if you live abroad or you're out of the US for work or vacation without a VPN, you'll see a notice about the platform's restricted availability. So a VPN will make such error messages disappear. In addition, changing your location with a VPN can help you bypass blackouts and watch any sports games you want.

Fortunately, the basic Sling Orange package has TNT and ESPN for $40.00 a month. You'll then want to consider tacking on the Sports Extra add-on for $11.00 a month to get NBA TV. And finally, you can also subscribe to NBA League Pass within Sling TV for $14.99 a month to get out-of-market coverage.

The full list of channels removed from Sling are: ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPN OnDemand, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, Disney Channel, Disney Jr, Disney XD, ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, Longhorn Network, SEC Network, SEC+, Freeform, FX, FXM, FXX, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo, ABC News Live, Jimmy Kimmel Live, ...

Blackout restrictions exist because local and national content providers have certain exclusive rights to televise live games and content. The audio of games that are blacked out will be available to listen live.

Most commonly, if you see black bars on the sides of your TV, you have a wide screen TV with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and the signal your TV is displaying has an aspect ratio of 4:3. Change the Picture Size displayed on the TV screen with the following options: 16:9 Standard - Sets the picture to 16:9 wide mode.