How to Watch Bulls Games Live Without Cable or Blackouts
Catching a clear Chicago Bulls broadcast game used to mean scrolling through cable providers, switching between RSNs, and hoping the right channel came on. Now, it’s way easier. You can watch Chicago Bulls games through local stations like NBC Sports Chicago or the new Chicago Sports Network, or tune in to national broadcasts on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. If you’re outside the local market, platforms like NBA League Pass or a reliable live stream will do the trick.
In this guide, we’ll break down all key options on how to watch Bulls games with and without cable so you never miss a moment of the season. We will also tell how a VPN like VeePN can make your streaming experience limit-free wherever you are.

How to watch Bulls games without cable?
The good news is that you don’t need a traditional cable package anymore to follow every Chicago Bulls game. There are now plenty of ways to stream the games live, especially if you’re in the local market.
- If you’re located in Chicago or nearby areas, you can watch Chicago Bulls live using streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, or DirecTV Stream. These platforms all include regional sports channels and national ones like ABC, ESPN, and TNT in their lineups. They work on smart TVs, laptops, and even phones.
- Another easy option is the new Chicago Sports Network app. gives local fans a direct way to stream Bulls games without needing a full cable provider. You pay for a monthly plan, download the app, and you’re set.
- Living outside Illinois? That’s where NBA League Pass comes in. It’s made for fans who are out-of-market. You’ll get access to every Bulls games stream in full HD. But if a game is being shown nationally, it might be blacked out for a few days (usually around 72 hours). After that, you can rewatch it without restrictions.
NBA League Pass tip: If you only follow the Chicago Bulls and don’t care about the other NBA teams, pick the “Team Choice” plan on NBA League Pass. It’s cheaper than the full league package.
Chicago Bulls broadcast partners and channels
If you still have cable, you’re covered too.
- For years, the Bulls, White Sox, and Blackhawks were shown on NBC Sports Chicago. But starting with the 2024–25 season, the teams moved over to a new local channel called Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). This is now the main network for local fans watching through Comcast and other regional cable providers. If you’re already subscribed to a mid- or high-tier TV plan, CHSN might already be in your lineup.
- National NBA broadcasts are a bit different. Big matchups or primetime games are picked up by ESPN, TNT, ABC, or NBA TV. These are available through both cable and most major streaming services. So even if you turn off cable TV, you can still watch national Bulls games on these channels.
One thing that trips people up is that sometimes a game is both locally and nationally broadcast. In that case, the national network like ESPN or TNT might take over the broadcast. To know for sure who’s airing what, check the official NBA app.
Live stream Bulls games on any device
Whether you’re at Midway or a hotel while travelling abroad, you can watch Chicago Bulls games smoothly on:
- Mobile: NBA app, Hulu Live, or the CHSN iOS/Android app.
- Desktop: NBA.com, YouTube TV web.
- Smart-TV: Roku Channel Store carries CHSN, while LG webOS features the League Pass native app.
Common problems when trying to watch Bulls games
Even if you’ve paid for a legit streaming service, watching Bulls games doesn’t always go as smoothly as it should. Here are two major issues:
Streaming gets slow due to an ISP throttling
Have you ever noticed your HD stream suddenly start buffering during the game? That’s often not your device’s fault, it’s your Internet provider. ISPs watch for high-bandwidth activity you do like sports live streams, and then quietly slow your speed to manage network traffic. This is called throttling.
Stream is blocked outside your local market
Planning to catch the Chicago Bulls while on a trip? The catch is that streaming services are often tied to your location. So if you’re outside the Chicago market, whether you’re traveling or living elsewhere, you may suddenly find your normal TV channel or app access blocked. That’s because many games are geo-restricted.
But you can bypass it by using a reliable VPN provider like VeePN.
Why VeePN makes Bulls streams smoother and safer
Here’s how it helps:
Bypass geo-restrictions
If you’re outside the Chicago region, you might get blocked from watching local streams like CHSN. VeePN lets you switch your IP address to Chicago, so the platform thinks you’re right there. You get full access without any blackout errors.
Defeat ISP throttling
VeePN hides what you’re doing online, so your live stream won’t get throttled by ISPs. You keep the same smooth speed, no matter how long the game runs.
Better streaming speed and stability
With over 2,500 servers in 89 countries, VeePN gives you a reliable connection with fewer slowdowns. Even when traffic spikes, your stream will always stay steady.
Stay secure on public Wi-Fi
If you’re watching a game at the airport or a bar through public Wi-Fi, VeePN will encrypt your data, so no one can see what you’re doing or steal your login info while you enjoy the game.
Use it on all your devices
One VeePN account works across up to 10 devices. It means you can simultaneously stream the Bulls on your phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV without juggling logins.
Works on all major platforms
If you prefer using iOS, Android, Windows, macOS devices, or just use browsers like Chrome or Firefox, VeePN has a solution.
Try using VeePN without risks, as we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
FAQ
Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and DirecTV Stream all carry NBC Sports Chicago or Chicago Sports Network, while national clashes appear on ABC and ESPN. Read more in the article.
Occasional free preseason streams pop up on the Bulls’ YouTube channel, and CHSN offers a seven-day trial—pair it with VeePN to dodge regional blocks. Read more in the article.
Yes. Hulu + Live TV’s base tier includes the local channel plus national partners, so you can watch Chicago Bulls without extra add-ons.
In-market viewers find the team on the Chicago Sports Network, recently added to Comcast Xfinity and most other cable systems. Read more in the article.
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