The San Antonio Spurs’ most boisterous fan section is getting bigger next season, but younger fans won’t be part of the pack.
The Spurs Jackals will require members to be at least 18 years old for the 2026-27 season, a change that has prompted debate online over whether children should be excluded from the supporter group.
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Founded with the help of Spurs star Victor Wembanyama ahead of the 2025-26 season, the Jackals are expanding their “Lair” across Sections 114 and 115 at Frost Bank Center and adding 100 members. Auditions for new members are scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 19.
The new age requirement has drawn criticism from some fans online.
“Bad call imo. Spurs are a family franchise,” one fan wrote on X. “The super-fan section should reflect that.”
Another fan questioned why the group would raise the age requirement and force younger members out.
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The Jackals responded to the criticism on X, saying the decision followed an evaluation of the group’s inaugural season.
“It was a tough choice for sure, we love our kid Jackals, but as the Jackals have and will continue to grow, the atmosphere will become more intense, with constant standing, chanting, and coordinated movement and support,” the group wrote. “After evaluating the past season, we feel an 18+ environment is the best fit for the direction of the section.”
Fans offered several alternatives, including creating a “Junior Jackals” program that would allow children to participate during select weekend games.
Others defended the change. One fan compared the Jackals to supporter groups associated with European soccer clubs, arguing that children can grow up with the fandom before eventually joining the section as adults.
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Some fans, however, questioned whether an adults-only rule was necessary to create a more intense atmosphere and argued that the supporter section should remain open to younger Spurs fans.
Jackals member Raylyn Boyson, who is known online as “Raylien,” also weighed in, saying she understood the frustration surrounding the change.
Boyson said one young member at the center of the online discussion had been an “incredible Jackal” who represented the group well. She also noted that she will have to reaudition and is not guaranteed a spot next season.
Boyson welcomed some of the alternatives proposed by fans and said she would be willing to present those ideas if she returns to the group.
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“I would love to present some of the suggestions and solutions brought up,” Boyson wrote on X. “We should be more solution-oriented and less about pointing fingers.”
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She also suggested there could be more to the decision.
“Knowing the Spurs, I’m sure it goes deeper than just not wanting kids,” Boyson wrote.
Wembanyama helped launch the supporter section ahead of the 2025-26 season, taking inspiration from the passionate fan groups common in European sports. The Jackals dress in Spurs gear, pound drums, stand throughout games and lead chants to create additional energy at home games.
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About 100 prospective members auditioned for the inaugural group in September 2025, with Wembanyama helping judge the applicants.
Those hoping to join this season must commit to attending at least 75% of eligible Spurs preseason and regular-season home games, participate in chants and rituals, support the team “with passion and respect” and help create a safe, inclusive and positive environment.
Membership costs $999 per person and provides access to tickets for preseason and regular-season home games. Members also receive exclusive gear, a 15% discount at the Spurs Fan Shop and access to special meetups. The Spurs have reported the same price and general benefits for the 2026-27 season.
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This article originally published at Spurs Jackals’ new 18-and-up age requirement has fans split ahead of upcoming season.
