The San Antonio Spurs Jackals, their famously boisterous fan section, are shaking things up for the 2026-27 season, and it’s got fans in an absolute frenzy online. Moving forward, the Jackals will require members to be at least 18 years old, a change sparking serious debate about whether kids should be excluded from the super-fan crew.
The New Pack Rules and What They Mean
Hold up, because this isn’t just a minor tweak. The Jackals, originally founded with an assist from Spurs star Victor Wembanyama ahead of the 2025-26 season, are growing their “Lair” big time. We’re talking an expansion across Sections 114 and 115 at Frost Bank Center, plus adding 100 new members. Auditions for these spots are set for September 19 at 9 a.m. But here’s the kicker: with that growth comes the new age requirement, and some fans are not having it. One fan blasted the move on X, calling it a “bad call imo” and arguing that the “Spurs are a family franchise” that the fan section should reflect. Others just straight up questioned why the group would force younger members out.
Jackals Stand Their Ground, Fans Get Creative
The Jackals wasted no time responding to the online heat, taking to X to explain their decision. They called it “a tough choice for sure,” and said they “love our kid Jackals.” But here’s the deal: they claim as the group expands, the atmosphere will get “more intense, with constant standing, chanting, and coordinated movement and support.” So, after evaluating their first season, they feel an 18+ environment is “the best fit for the direction of the section.”
Naturally, fans aren’t just sitting back. Several alternatives have popped up, including a “Junior Jackals” program that would let kids get in on the action during specific weekend games. Some even jumped to the Jackals’ defense, comparing them to intense European soccer club supporter groups where kids grow up steeped in the fandom before joining as adults. Even Jackals member Raylyn Boyson, known as “Raylien” online, weighed in. She gets the frustration, especially for young members who were “incredible Jackals.” Boyson even noted she’ll have to reaudition herself! She’s down to present fan suggestions if she makes it back into the group and believes “it goes deeper than just not wanting kids.”
So, as September 19 approaches, the big question is how this new adults-only policy will truly impact the atmosphere Wembanyama envisioned. Will the Jackals find a way to include their younger fans, or is this the new, intense reality for the Frost Bank Center’s loudest section?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply