Illinois has many popular sports teams like the Chicago Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks and White Sox. From extreme sports to college-level games, Illinois has no shortage of great sports options. For those who are looking for a way to watch their favorite teams without going to the stadium or a bar, streaming is an excellent way to stay up on all of your favorite teams in Illinois. However, many of the channels and subscriptions services have geo-restrictions on them. These block international viewers around the world from watching Illinois sports. Locals sometimes have blackout-restrictions as well. Learn how to stream Illinois sports live with a VPN.
How to Use a Illinois VPN to Stream Sports
Here’s a quick guide for watching Illinois sporting events with a VPN.
- Sign up for ExpressVPN (30 day risk-free money-back guarantee)
- Install the ExpressVPN browser extension, desktop, or mobile app.
- Launch the ExpressVPN app and connect to a server in Chicago. To get around blackout restrictions for in-market games we suggest you connect to a server in Dallas, Miami, or San Francisco.
- Cheer on your favorite team from anywhere in the world.
Use a VPN to Bypass Geo-restrictions
Geo-restrictions cause problems for sports fans. Broadcasters will show sporing events to certain regions of the world. This essentially blocks international viewers from watching. Those traveling abroad would not be able to watch their favorite teams play. However, a VPN can help you in these situations. It assigns you an IP address from a region of your choosing. If you select a place where the game is being streamed to then you will be able to watch it. Along with this, A VPN will mask your IP address so your privacy is protected online. Unblock geo-restrictions and watch sports from anywhere. Choosing a VPN service can be frustrating but you’ll find that the ExpressVPN support team is there to help you with any questions.
Illinois Sports Overview
Illinois boasts a rich and diverse sporting culture, home to numerous professional sports teams, and countless opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. The Chicago Bulls in the NBA, the Chicago Cubs and White Sox in MLB, the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL, and the Chicago Bears in the NFL create the state’s thriving sports scene. Illinois also offers a variety of outdoor sporting activities such as fishing, hunting, and boating, reflecting Illinois’ commitment to a wide spectrum of sports.
There are variety of minor league teams that are no less competitive than the professional leagues, offering an up close and personal experience of sports. Minor League teams located in Illinois include the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, Peoria Chiefs & River Bandits of the MiLB and Thunderbolts of Frontier League.
In addition to the mentioned teams, Illinois boasts an impressive college sports scene. The state is home to several NCAA Division I schools like the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and Southern Illinois University. These institutions offer high-level competition in sports that include basketball, football, baseball, and soccer, among others. Each game attracts a significant fan base, further fueling the state’s passion for sports. Whether you’re a local or international fan, there’s always a thrilling sports event to watch in Illinois.
Illinois Fighting Illini
University of Illinois has been a leader in collegiate sports since the very beginning of its time. From football and basketball to baseball, track, swimming and more, the Illinois Fighting Illini have consistently dominated their competition both on the field and off. Its championship wins date back as far as 1914 when the college won its first National Championship. The University of Illinois has since gone on to win dozens more conference, national and international titles across various sports including the 2011 Big Ten Baseball Tournament Championship and 2011 Men’s Soccer Big Ten Champions, among many others.
Chicago Sky
Chicago Sky is the states first WNBA team. The team was founded in 2005 and has brought a lot of excitement to the city of Chicago since its inception. The Sky are an integral part of the community, providing fans with exciting entertainment during their home games at Wintrust Arena. In addition to playing in front of packed crowds, Chicago Sky also provides youth basketball programming for kids all around Illinois. Their mission is to inspire, teach and mentor the next generation of basketball stars. It’s no wonder why Chicago Sky has become such a beloved part of the city over the years. The team puts together an impressive roster each year, composed of some of the best women’s basketball players in the league.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are one of the most famous teams in the world. They had start basketball players like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman who brought the team to six championships in eight years. The Bulls have become a staple of the basketball world and are beloved by fans all across Illinois. Their games are always highly anticipated events that draw big crowds from around the state.
The Bulls have used their success on the court to create a strong fan base in Illinois. Every game has legions of dedicated fans who cheer on the team no matter what the score or situation is. The energy at Chicago Bulls’ games is electric and it’s clear that there are many people who have fallen in love with the team over the years.
Illinois MLB
Illinois has two MLB teams that have seen great success over the years. The Chicago Cubs, founded in 1876 as the “White Stockings,” are one of the oldest Major League Baseball teams. They have won three World Series titles and more than 10 National League pennants. At Wrigley Field, the iconic park that has been their home since 1916, they bring excitement to generations of fans.
The White Sox were originally formed in 1901 as the “Chicago White Stockings” and have won three World Series titles and six American League pennants. They were also the first team in MLB history to throw a perfect game.
The Cubs and White Sox have had some classic matchups over the years. Even with the intense rivalry, both teams bring great pride to Illinois and their fans. No matter which team you support, America’s pastime is alive and well in Chicago! With a long and storied history of success, Cubs and White Sox games are some of the most exciting spectacles in sports.
How to Stream Illinois Sports Live with ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our favorite VPN for streaming sports. This is because they help you gain access to content that you would otherwise be blocked from watching. ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, but some of the best are in the United States. This is great as the US has popular sports like football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. They are available through ESPN, NBC, Fox Sports, NFL Game Pass, MLB.TV, and more. The NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and NCAA implement blackout restrictions that block in-market games. Some even block viewers internationally. One of the best ways to get around this is through a VPN. Blackout restrictions like those from MLB.TV can easily be avoided by connecting to Mexico, Canada, or a different location in the US. ExpressVPN will help you stream all your favorite American sports leagues.
ExpressVPN is a great service that values your privacy. They do not keep activity logs on their users. They will help you unblock almost any service by changing your location. ExpressVPN has over 3000 servers across 94 countries that will help you stream all your favorite teams. We are excited to share an exclusive ExpressVPN discount. You can sign up and receive 49% off a year of VPN with an extra 3 months added for free. They also offer a 30 day money back guarantee. This will allow you to test out the service and see the benefits it provides.
What the Prairie State has to offer
From the bustling metropolis of Chicago to the lush rolling hills of rural areas, Illinois is full of diverse landscapes and cultures. This state is great for outdoor activities like fishing or hiking in its untouched nature reserves, modern attractions like major league sports teams and world-class museums, and innovative opportunities that make it a premier destination for business and technology. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a fun city experience, or to start a business, Illinois has something for everyone. You’ll be sure to find the perfect fit in this diverse state!
Illinois is not only a cultural and recreational hub but also a sanctuary for education and learning. The state is home to some of the nation’s top universities and research institutions that attract thousands of students and scholars from across the globe. With world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to fostering innovation and intellectual growth, Illinois provides unparalleled opportunities for higher education. The state’s educational institutions serve as a testament to its commitment to nurturing talent and promoting research and innovation, further solidifying its reputation as an academic powerhouse.
Diving deeper into the state’s charm, Illinois boasts a rich historical legacy that can be explored through its myriad of well-preserved sites and monuments. From the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, which offers a glimpse into the life of the 16th President of the United States, to the Pullman National Monument in Chicago that reflects the industrial history of the state, there’s a wealth of history to uncover. These sites serve as reminders of the state’s past, offering visitors the chance not just to learn history, but to experience it. The state’s history is interwoven with its present, making Illinois a fascinating blend of old and new.
Illinois VPN FAQ
A VPN server in Illinois will help you get access to content that you may not be able to watch in your region. Get around geo-restrictions and stream popular sports events. Meanwhile, those living in the United States can use the Illinois IP to get around their own local blackout restrictions. ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous connections so you can put the app on all your favorite devices.
VPNs are legal in the Illinois. Throughout the United States, VPNs are safe to use. The purpose of a VPN is to help protect your privacy online and help you gain access to content in other regions.
A VPN can help you stream your local teams. For example, the MLB often restricts which matches you can watch live based on where you live. If you select a server in a different market in the US, then you will be able to watch your favorite local teams. Meanwhile, when traveling internationally, connecting to a VPN in Illinois can help you watch US sports that are not on foreign channels.
