The San Antonio Spurs are expanding Victor Wembanyama's innovative fan section, The Jackals, for the 2026-27 NBA season, adding 100 new members. Auditions for the raucous supporter group will be held on Saturday, September 19 at Frost Bank Center. This growth follows a successful debut season where the group became a signature part of the arena's atmosphere, even traveling to support the team during its unexpected run to the NBA Cup Final. The Spurs' last official game was a 90-94 loss to the New York Knicks on June 14, 2026, part of a recent stretch where the team lost four of its last five contests.
What are The Jackals and how do you join?
The Jackals are a dedicated supporter section created by Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama. He designed the group to bring a European football-style energy to the Frost Bank Center. Last season, Wembanyama held auditions and selected a core of passionate fans committed to attending most home games. The experiment worked. The Jackals significantly raised the decibel level in the arena and made special trips to road games. Wemby even personally invited members to attend the NBA Cup Final in Emirates.
For the upcoming season, the Spurs are adding two new sections, 114 and 115, to accommodate 100 new Jackals members. Interested fans must audition. The team's press release states auditions begin at 9 a.m. on September 19. Participants should arrive in Spurs gear and be ready to demonstrate their energy and passion for the team. You can find more details on the official Spurs website or by texting a dedicated number.
Why does this fan section matter for the Spurs?
In a competitive Western Conference, home-court advantage is a real factor. The Jackals provide a tangible boost. Their consistent, loud presence can disrupt opposing teams' communication and free-throw routines. This creates a tougher environment for visitors. For a young Spurs team building around Wembanyama, that extra edge at home is valuable. It turns Frost Bank Center into a fortress where opponents know they're in for a fight.
The group also strengthens the bond between the team and its most dedicated supporters. Wembanyama's direct involvement shows a player investing in the fan experience. This builds a unique culture. Fans feel a direct connection to the franchise star. That kind of loyalty is hard to buy. It pays off during tough stretches, like the team's recent 1-4 form, where fan support remains steady. You can track the team's progress and upcoming home games on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
What's next for the Spurs and The Jackals?
The immediate next step is the audition process on September 19. The Spurs organization will be looking for fans who can bring sustained, positive energy throughout the long 82-game NBA season. Successful applicants will commit to attending the majority of home games. They'll become part of the visual and auditory identity of the Frost Bank Center on broadcast nights.
Looking at the bigger picture, the expansion of The Jackals signals the Spurs' commitment to building a modern, engaging game-day experience. It's not just about basketball. It's about creating an event. This initiative, coupled with the development of their young core, is part of a broader strategy to re-establish the Spurs as a premier destination in the league. The team's focus now shifts to preparing for the new season, aiming to convert that home energy into more wins after a challenging close to the previous campaign.
