Around 100 eclectic, energetic hopefuls just showed up at Frost Bank Center, all vying for a spot on the Spurs Jackals, the team’s official congregation of home-court howlers. These aren’t just any fans, either. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama formed this group ahead of the 2025-26 season to bring a wild new energy, and judging by Saturday’s auditions, they are absolutely dialed in for what’s next.
The Wildest Tryouts You’ll Ever See
Forget your standard fan club tryouts. We’re talking about a serious display of dedication and, honestly, pure spectacle. Jessica Vela, aka Jessica the Nun, a San Antonio spin on the unholy holy lady from “The Conjuring” horror films, was there. She even rocked a camouflage Victor Wembanyama jersey while yelling out her devotion. Vela said she just wanted to be around a crowd with so much energy, even if she didn’t make the cut. Other hopefuls like Pepe Esquivel were yelling chants right alongside her, showing just how loud this group aims to be.
The costumes? Absolutely next level. Gilly Barrera sported the gray tactical suit and black headband of Solid Snake from “Metal Gear.” Another fan came in a full Chewbacca outfit, complete with a Spurs jersey. Someone else rocked an Iron Man helmet painted in team colors, flashing an automated faceplate and glowing eyes. Wembanyama himself got plenty of cosplay love, with many wearing his No. 1 jersey. Longtime fans George Montoya and his son George Nathan Montoya even showed up in green alien body suits, paying homage to the team’s superstar who rolled out this “woof pack” last year. This is what it means to give your team an edge.
Louder, Better, Back to the Finals
The Jackals are still making noise after their debut last season, and they’re looking to expand their ranks for the 2026-27 season. Why? Because the Spurs just defied expectations last season with a trip to the NBA Finals! This fan group wants to match that intensity. Aidan Sterling, President of the Spurs Jackals, summed it up perfectly. He said, “We’re expecting to go back.” And he’s not just talking about the team. Sterling made it clear the Jackals need to be “louder, need to be better and to make sure that if we can give them that one percent edge, we need to do it every single home game.” The goal is clear: the Frost Bank Center needs to be absolutely rocking every single night. That’s a challenge, but if Saturday’s auditions were any indication, they are ready to answer the call.
Organizers will make their final selections in the next couple of weeks, choosing who gets to bring that 1% edge. The Spurs preseason kicks off on October 8 when they host the Atlanta Hawks, but the real show starts October 20. That’s when the regular season tips off at Frost Bank Center against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and you can bet the Jackals will be ready to cheer on their team for another deep run.
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.
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