The San Antonio Spurs struck gold by landing Victor Wembanyama with the first pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. But since then, the French center has dealt with multiple injuries, and the team has yet to make a postseason appearance.
But after San Antonio’s roster moves over the past few months, including adding De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper, they expect to be more competitive in the future. Away from on-court action, Wembanyama and the Spurs announced another major change, one that will perhaps result in their arena feeling more like a European soccer game than an NBA game.
“The Spurs have announced plans for a tryout for a new ‘supporter’s section,‘ with tryouts for the group set to be held on Sunday,” the Associated Press reported. “Wembanyama came up with the plan, which is loosely modeled after what he’s seen from soccer and basketball teams in Europe and around the world.”
The news of a supporter section comes after the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer tried a similar strategy in their new Intuit Dome arena, one that provides a more in-depth experience for fans at games. It also comes just months after the Spurs were approved for a new arena in downtown San Antonio.
The Spurs’ Supporter Section
According to the AP, both Wembanyama and the Spurs were in favor of turning their Frost Bank Arena into one with a different atmosphere, one that resembles that of a European soccer or basketball game.
Though flares might never make their way into an NBA indoor arena, San Antonio is hoping for a section that sees fans have ‘nonstop chants, drums, flags, and passion.‘ Wembanyama and the team are holding tryouts for fans to be a part of the section, with the franchise superstar set to attend the September 14th trial run.
“Wembanyama and the Spurs are looking for some high-energy fans who can commit to attending at least 75% of the team’s home games this season, plus are willing to ‘participate in chants and rituals’ all while supporting “‘with passion and respect,’“ the AP wrote. “There’s a $999 membership cost to be in the new club, and it comes with some privileges such as discounts and the chance to meet surprise special guests.”
With their winning success, the Spurs are consistently ranked as having some of the most loyal and passionate fans in the NBA. With that, finding a group willing to play a similar role of that of an ‘ultra‘ doesn’t seem like a difficult task.
“If this group of ultras reaches its full potential, I have no doubt that it’s going to help us win games in the future for sure,” Wembanyama said. “I mean, the 41 regular-season games at home this season, that’s 41 opportunities for them to push in the fourth quarter and give us that extra energy and that second wind that can give us the win.”
Wembanyama’s Eventful Offseason
Though the news of his supporter’s section idea is just the latest from Wembanyama this summer, the franchise superstar has made headlines over nearly the entire offseason. After missing much of the season with blood clots in his shoulder, the 20-year-old has been busy in preparation for his third NBA season.
Whether it be his trip to China to train and live with monks, playing soccer in a manner that might worry the Spurs organization, linking up with celebrities, or training with NBA legends, Wembanyama has stayed busy.
Before his injury, Wembanyama was the leading candidate to win Defensive Player of the Year, but missed out due to playing in just 46 games in 2024-25. However, the seven foot, three inch center expects to take home that award at least once as his career continues, as his immediate impact in the NBA has been immense.
Through his first 100 games, Wembanyama holds more records and ‘fastest player to…‘ marks than many of the greatest players at their position. That includes more three-pointers than Stephen Curry and more rebounds than Shaquille O’Neal in his first 100 games. Wembanyama is also the only player in league history to have at least 1,500 points, 250 blocks, and 150 made three-pointers.
Over the offseason, San Antonio also announced that head coach Gregg Popovich would step down from his role after multiple health concerns. The five-time Finals winner and Hall of Famer handed the reins to Mitch Johnson, acting head coach going forward.
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