When the 2025-26 Spurs season tipped off last fall, nobody knew who the Jackals were. But that all changed over the following months as the Victor Wembanyama-founded fan section went viral for their over-the-top energy, hilarious signs and memorable moments. This season will be no different, except for the fact that everyone knows who they are – and everyone wants in.
But not everyone will be allowed in the Frost Bank Center's sections 114 and 115 for the 2026-27 season, the Jackals said on social media. Auditions for the upcoming season, which will take place on September 19 and add 100 members, require an 18+ age limit. The sign-up form on the Spurs website requires Jackal hopefuls to check a box affirming they are 18 or older before they can RSVP for auditions.
One social media user asked the fan section on X what was behind the decision to "raise the age limit and force kids out of the program? Just don't quite understand that."
"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 fan club explained in a post on X. "After evaluating the past season, we feel an 18+ environment is the best fit for the direction of the section."
Not everyone seems to be happy with that change. Paul Salazar, who was an inaugural Jackal along with his son, said on Instagram that he felt "that PJ was one of the Best Jackals that showed up every night and gave it his all! never complaining about standing not one time!"
Salazar continued, saying his son "learned all the chants all for the love of being Puro Spurs! … Regardless of the New Rules! Its always GO SPURS GO! P.S. This was one of the best experiences we have ever had as a Spurs fans!"
One Jackal by the name of Raylyn Boyson (known as Raylien online and typically sporting an extraterrestrial get-up when courtside) gave her two cents on X, saying Salazar's son "was an incredible Jackal and represented Jackals well."
"I'm sorry things changed and he doesn't get the opportunity to be apart of it this year … Knowing the spurs I'm sure it goes deeper than just not wanting kids," she wrote.
Some commenters suggested a "Junior Jackal" club or pass out Jackal crowns (Burger King style) to children in attendance to make them feel more involved – ideas Boyson said she loves, though she doesn't have a say in things. "I'm just someone who also has to reaudition so there's zero guarantee even I'll return, but if I do I would love to present some of the suggestions and solutions brought up. We should be more solution oriented and less about pointing fingers."
Regardless, it goes without saying that the Jackals are sure to be as hyped as ever and ready to cheer on the Spurs for another season. The preseason begins with a home game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 8, and the first regular season contest will be a home opener on October 20 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
MySA reached out to the Jackals for comment, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
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This article originally published at Spurs Jackals are adults-only next season as they prepare to get even louder.
