Did you know that ESPN+ is set to stream over 1,500 hours of tennis from the Australian Open in 2025 alone? That’s just a fraction of the live sports action available on this platform.
ESPN+ will broadcast more than 900 men’s and over 980 women’s college basketball games in January 2025. It will even feature exclusive events like the NFL Super Wild Card Monday game, giving sports fans a treasure trove of content at their fingertips.
But a VPN is your best play to truly enhance your viewing experience and ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action, especially when you’re on the go or using public Wi-Fi.
This article highlights ten of the most anticipated sports events streaming on ESPN+ this year. It will give you the inside scoop on each event and show you how a VPN can improve your streaming experience, providing secure, buffer-free access no matter where you are.
Understanding ESPN’s Offerings
Navigating ESPN’s various platforms can be confusing. Let’s clarify the differences:
- ESPN (TV Channel): The traditional sports TV channel. Requires a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming subscription.
- ESPN+ (App): A standalone streaming service for live sports, documentaries, and original programming. No cable subscription needed. Offers different content than the main ESPN channel.
- ESPN3: A digital network streaming live events and replays. Often requires authentication through a TV provider.
- WatchESPN: The former platform for streaming ESPN channels live for cable/satellite subscribers. Now integrated into the main ESPN app.
In short, ESPN+ is your standalone streaming destination, and a VPN enhances your access to it, providing privacy, security, and stable streaming speeds.
Why Use a VPN for ESPN+ Streaming?
Before we jump into the must-watch events, let’s quickly cover why using a VPN like IPVanish is beneficial for streaming ESPN+:
- Bypass Throttling: ISPs sometimes slow down your internet speed when they detect streaming. A VPN encrypts your connection, masking your streaming activity and helping you avoid ISP throttling for smoother viewing.
- Secure Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, leaving your data vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your personal information while you stream on public networks.
- Enhanced Privacy: A VPN hides your IP address, making your online activity more private. A VPN also has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your streaming habits remain your own.
Ready to unlock ESPN+’s full potential? Explore the top ten events you won’t want to miss and how IPVanish can make your streaming experience even better.
1. UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 (February 8, 2025)
The UFC Middleweight Championship title will be on the line as Dricus Du Plessis defends his title against former champion Sean Strickland in Sydney, Australia. The co-main event features Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili taking on Tatiana Suarez. The main card will be accessible on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, while prelims air on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
How IPVanish VPN Helps: If you’re traveling abroad, IPVanish lets you connect to a server in your home country, ensuring uninterrupted access to your ESPN+ subscription without regional restrictions.
2. NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness) (March 18, 2025)
The annual NCAA tournament features 68 of the best college basketball teams in a single-elimination battle for the national championship. First and second-round games, along with expert analysis, are available on ESPN+.
How a VPN Helps: Some games may be regionally blacked out due to broadcasting rights. A VPN lets you bypass these restrictions by connecting to a server where the game is available.
3. The Masters Tournament (April 10-13, 2025)
One of golf’s most prestigious events, The Masters will take place at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. The tournament showcases the world’s top golfers, all vying for the iconic green jacket. ESPN+ offers exclusive featured group coverage.
How a VPN Helps: Some regions receive limited coverage or alternate commentary feeds. By switching your location, you can access the most comprehensive broadcasts available.
4. UEFA Champions League Final (June 1, 2025)
Soccer supremacy is on the line at the UEFA Champions League Final, broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. ESPN+ often provides pre and post-match analysis and related content for soccer aficionados.
Why IPVanish for UEFA Champions League Final Coverage? For pre-game build-up and post-match analysis on ESPN+, IPVanish ensures you can access the content securely and without slowdowns. Enjoy comprehensive soccer coverage, your trusted VPN for global sports streaming.
5. College World Series (June 13-23, 2025)
The College World Series, the culmination of the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament, takes place in Omaha, Nebraska. This event showcases future Major League stars and is available for streaming on ESPN+.
How a VPN Helps: Internet service providers (ISPs) may throttle speeds during high-traffic events, causing buffering. A VPN can help bypass ISP throttling to ensure a smooth, high-quality stream.
6. Wimbledon Championships (June 30 – July 13, 2025)
Wimbledon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, played on the grass courts of the All England Club in London. Fans can stream live matches and replays on ESPN+.
How a VPN Helps: If you’re traveling in a country where ESPN+ coverage is unavailable, a VPN allows you to connect to a region where the tournament is broadcast securely.
7. U.S. Open Tennis Tournament (August 25 – September 7, 2025)
The U.S. Open Tennis Tournament is the final Grand Slam event of the year. It will held in New York City, featuring the best players in the world competing under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium. ESPN+ provides extensive live coverage and analysis.
How a VPN Helps: Public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, hotels, and airports are often unsecured. A VPN protects your data while allowing you to stream the tournament without interruption.
8. Ryder Cup (September 26-28, 2025)
Golf’s biggest team event pits Team USA against Team Europe at Bethpage Black Course in New York. The intensity and national pride surrounding the Ryder Cup make it one of the sport’s most thrilling competitions. ESPN+ is expected to provide live coverage and highlights.
How a VPN Helps: If you’re in a region where streaming platforms limit access to live sports events, a VPN allows you to change your virtual location to access full coverage.
9. ESPN Events Invitational Basketball Tournament (November 28-29, 2025)
This early-season college basketball tournament takes place in Florida’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, featuring teams such as Florida, Minnesota, Wake Forest, and Wichita State. ESPN+ will stream the games live.
How a VPN Helps: Online congestion during major sporting events can cause streaming services to lag. A VPN can help you connect to a less crowded server for a more stable experience.
10. College Football Bowl Games (December 2025)
A month-long slate of postseason college football matchups featuring top teams from various conferences. Multiple bowl games are set to air on ESPN+, making it a must-watch for college football fans.
How a VPN Helps: Some bowl games may be regionally restricted due to broadcasting agreements. A VPN helps you access out-of-market games that may not be available in your area.
*Event schedules and broadcasting rights are subject to change. As the dates approach, it’s advisable to check the latest information on ESPN+’s official schedule and the specific event websites.
Maximize Your ESPN+ Experience with IPVanish
These ten events are just a taste of the incredible sports content ESPN+ offers. To fully enjoy these and countless other events, IPVanish is your ideal streaming companion. Here’s how it enhances your ESPN+ streaming:
Combat Throttling and Stabilize ESPN+ Streaming Speeds
ISPs may deliberately reduce your internet speed when they notice you’re streaming from specific services and consuming significant data. This throttling can lead to frustrating interruptions during crucial game moments.
IPVanish combats throttling by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding streaming activity from your ISP. By limiting their ability to monitor your data consumption, IPVanish helps ensure a more stable and smoother viewing experience. Say goodbye to annoying buffering and hello to uninterrupted sports action with IPVanish.
Stream ESPN Games More Privately On-the-Go
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are convenient but often lack security, making them risky for streaming as they are easy targets for cyber threats. IPVanish offers a robust layer of protection, encrypting your ESPN+ streaming data even on unsecured networks. Whether at a coffee shop or hotel or using transit Wi-Fi, the provider ensures your streaming remains private and shielded from potential threats.
Protect Your ESPN Streaming at Home
Securing your streaming experience at home is just as important. IPVanish acts as your frontline defense against online vulnerabilities. IPVanish upholds a strict no-traffic-logs policy, meaning it never collects or retains any details about your internet traffic. This commitment to privacy has been independently verified by third-party cybersecurity experts, giving you added peace of mind.
Global Server Network for Optimal Streaming
IPVanish operates a vast international network with over 2,400 VPN servers in more than 135 locations.
These servers are strategically placed to provide optimal speeds for users worldwide. No matter where you are, you can connect to a server that enhances your streaming performance.
Risk-Free Trial with Money-Back Guarantee
Try IPVanish with confidence. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on Yearly and 2-year plans. If you’re not completely satisfied, you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked. It’s a risk-free way to experience secure and seamless ESPN+ streaming.
24/7 Expert Support
Need help? IPVanish provides 24/7 live support via live chat and email. Expert support agents are always ready to assist you, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Start Streaming ESPN+ Securely with IPVanish Today!
You can enhance your ESPN+ streaming experience by utilizing a reputable VPN service. You can overcome geographical restrictions, ensure privacy, and access a broader range of content.
Don’t let buffering, throttling, or security concerns ruin your sports streaming experience. With IPVanish, you can enjoy every thrilling moment on ESPN+ with enhanced privacy and seamless streaming. Get ready for a year of incredible sports action.
Use IPVanish to enjoy a seamless ESPN+ streaming journey. Start now and experience unlimited bandwidth and unmetered connections. It’s the best streaming VPN for all your devices, featuring user-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and more.
