In recent years, the league has seen increasing European influence through players Nikola Jokic , Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo . Their impact on the game is enormous, and this tendency is continuing with the rise of the next generation of European players like Victor Wembanyama and Alperen Sengun .
These players all came through the European basketball system, but they also grew up in fan cultures that are very different from those in the U.S. Starting this season, the San Antonio Spurs will have a dedicated fan section at the Frost Bank Center, featuring loud cheering, drums, and flags with the group voting for their name, something similar to the ones in Europe.
The idea is supported by the young French star, who believes it could become one of the key factors for the Spurs next season.
"It's been an idea," Wembanyama said in an interview with ESPN . "And now it's a project. 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. 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."
In European fan culture, there are fanbases known as ultras, who energize arenas with chants, flags, choreography and sometimes even flares. Their support lasts the entire game, as in Europe, the crowd is often called the "sixth man." Throughout the years, we have heard many stories about the intensity of "crazy" fans, like the one when Goran Dragic shot free throws in Zadar, Croatia, and the fans shook the construction of the basket .
While extreme, these examples show how difficult it is for opposing players to perform in such hostile environments. Giannis has also noted that if there's one thing he would bring from Europe to the NBA , it's the crazy atmosphere.
"I wish we had that atmosphere in the NBA, but we don't," Antetokounmpo said . "But the intensity within the game, I think, is pretty much the same. Everybody understands that it's one game, and you have to play well. If you don't, you get knocked out."
Giannis himself comes from Greece, home to one of Europe's fiercest rivalries between powerhouses like Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, where fans often despise each other despite being from the same city.
Wembanyama's vision is certainly intriguing, though it will be hard to implement in U.S. culture, where attending games is more of a family outing — grab a beer, eat a hot dog or popcorn, dance during timeouts and enjoy the show. Now 79 years old, the NBA has rarely seen fans actively pressure opposing players.
Still, the idea is interesting and could significantly change the landscape of NBA fan culture. With the growing influence of European players, the impact of such a move should not be underestimated.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
