San Antonio Spurs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids San Antonio Spurs
Conference	Western
Division	Southwest
Founded	1967
History	Dallas Chaparrals 1967–1970, 1971–1973 (ABA) Texas Chaparrals 1970–1971 (ABA) San Antonio Spurs 1973–1976 (ABA) 1976–present (NBA)
Arena	Frost Bank Center
Location	San Antonio, Texas
Team colors	Silver, black, white
Main sponsor	Ledger.com
CEO	R. C. Buford
President	Gregg Popovich
General manager	Brian Wright
Head coach	Mitch Johnson
Ownership	Spurs Sports & Entertainment (Peter John Holt, Chairman and CEO)
Affiliation(s)	Austin Spurs
Championships	5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
Conference titles	7 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2026)
Division titles	23 (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2026)
Retired numbers	10 (00, 6, 9, 12, 13, 20, 21, 32, 44, 50)
Association Icon

The San Antonio Spurs are a professional basketball team from San Antonio, Texas. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Western Conference. Their home games are held at the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs are special because they are one of only four teams from the old American Basketball Association (ABA) that are still in the NBA today. They are also the only former ABA team to have won multiple NBA championships.

The Spurs have won five NBA championships: in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. They have a great winning record among all NBA teams. For many years, from 1999 to 2017, the Spurs won 50 games or more each season, which is a record! Their success came with famous players like David Robinson and Tim Duncan, and their long-time coach Gregg Popovich. In the 2022–23 season, the team celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The Spurs in San Antonio

Spurs players are very involved in the San Antonio community. Many former players still help out in the city. For example, David Robinson works with the Carver Academy, and George Gervin helps at the George Gervin Youth Center. The Spurs have always had amazing fan support. They set attendance records at the Alamodome and continue to fill the Frost Bank Center for almost every game.

Every February, the team goes on a long road trip. This happens because the Frost Bank Center hosts the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This trip is known as the "Rodeo Road Trip." Even during these long trips, the Spurs often win many games away from home. When the Spurs win an NBA title, their victory parades are celebrated with boat trips along the beautiful San Antonio River Walk.

Team History

Early Days as the Chaparrals (1967–1973)

The San Antonio Spurs started as the Dallas Chaparrals in the American Basketball Association (ABA). They were one of the first teams in the league in 1967. The team played in Dallas and sometimes in other Texas cities like Fort Worth and Lubbock. However, they struggled to attract many fans.

Moving to San Antonio: Becoming the Spurs (1973–1976)

By 1973, the Dallas Chaparrals faced challenges with money. A group of businessmen from San Antonio decided to lease the team. They first thought of naming the team the San Antonio Gunslingers. But soon, they changed it to the San Antonio Spurs. The name "Spurs" comes from the metal tools worn on cowboy boots. The team also changed its colors to black, silver, and white, which are still their colors today.

The team's name comes from a spur, a metal tool worn on cowboy boots to guide a horse.

In their first game in San Antonio, the Spurs played at HemisFair Arena. Fans quickly loved the team. The Spurs played with a strong defense and had exciting players like James Silas and George Gervin. Gervin joined the team in January 1974 and became a big star. The Spurs finished their first season in San Antonio with a good record. The city embraced the team, and the owners decided to buy the franchise and keep it in San Antonio for good.

The Spurs became one of the best teams in the ABA. Their strong fan support made them attractive to the NBA. In June 1976, the ABA and NBA merged. The Spurs, along with the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and New York Nets, joined the NBA. This was a big step for the team and for San Antonio.

The George Gervin Era (1976–1985)

George Gervin was a key player for the Spurs for almost ten years, from 1976 to 1985.

The Spurs quickly proved they belonged in the NBA. In their first NBA season (1976–77), they had a winning record. George Gervin became a scoring superstar. In the 1977–78 season, he famously battled David Thompson for the NBA scoring title. Gervin scored 63 points in one game to win the title!

The Spurs won five division titles in their first seven NBA years. They often made the playoffs. However, they faced tough teams like the Washington Bullets and Los Angeles Lakers. They had to wait many years to reach the NBA Finals. After the 1984–85 season, Gervin was traded, marking the end of an important era.

Rebuilding with David Robinson (1985–1997)

The years after Gervin were tough for the Spurs. They had losing seasons and fewer fans. But there was a bright spot: in 1987, the Spurs won the top pick in the NBA draft. They chose David Robinson, a talented player from the United States Naval Academy. Robinson had to serve in the Navy for two years before joining the team.

David Robinson was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1995. He later helped the Spurs win their first NBA championship in 1999.

In 1989, Robinson finally joined the Spurs. His arrival changed everything! With Robinson, and new players like Sean Elliott, the Spurs had the biggest improvement in NBA history in one season. They went from having the worst record to one of the best. Robinson was named Rookie of the Year. The team became a playoff contender again.

In 1993, a group of local investors bought the team. The Spurs moved to a new arena, the Alamodome, in 1993. They continued to be a strong team. In the 1994–95 season, the Spurs had the best record in the NBA, winning 62 games. Robinson was named the league's Most Valuable Player. They reached the Western Conference finals but lost.

The Alamodome was home to the Spurs from 1993 to 2002.

The 1996–97 season was very difficult. Key players like Robinson and Elliott were injured. The team had its worst record ever. This led to general manager Gregg Popovich becoming the head coach. But this tough season also brought good news. The Spurs won the NBA draft lottery and got the first pick in the 1997 draft. They used it to select Tim Duncan, a future superstar.

The Tim Duncan Era: Championships Begin (1997–2016)

The "Twin Towers" Dominate (1997–2003)

The Spurs' history changed when they drafted Tim Duncan in 1997.

With Tim Duncan joining David Robinson, the Spurs had two amazing tall players. They were called the "Twin Towers." Both were great at scoring and defense. Duncan quickly became a dominant player, winning Rookie of the Year in 1998.

The 1998–99 season was shorter due to a player lockout. But the Spurs still had the best record in the NBA. They swept through the Western Conference playoffs. In the NBA Finals, they defeated the New York Knicks to win their first NBA Championship! Duncan was named the Finals MVP. The Spurs became the first former ABA team to win an NBA title.

After Robinson retired, the Spurs continued to build a strong team. They drafted Tony Parker in 2001 and signed Manu Ginóbili in 2002. These two players, along with Duncan, would form the "Big Three."

The Spurs visited the White House after winning their championship in 2003.

In the 2002–03 season, the Spurs moved into their new home, the SBC Center (now Frost Bank Center). David Robinson announced it would be his last season. With Duncan, Parker, and new players like Ginóbili, the Spurs had a fantastic season. They tied for the best record in the NBA, and Duncan won his second straight NBA MVP award. In the NBA Finals, the Spurs defeated the New Jersey Nets to win their second NBA Championship. Duncan was again named Finals MVP.

The "Big Three" Era (2003–2011)

"Big Three"

Tim Duncan

Tony Parker

Manu Ginóbili

After Robinson retired, the "Big Three" of Duncan, Parker, and Ginóbili led the team. They faced a tough loss in the 2004 playoffs. But the Spurs came back strong in the 2004–05 season. They acquired veteran player Robert Horry, who made many clutch shots. The Spurs reached the NBA Finals and defeated the defending champion Detroit Pistons in a thrilling seven-game series. This was their third NBA title, and Duncan won his third Finals MVP award.

The Frost Bank Center (then-AT&T Center), the Spurs' home, at night in 2006.

The Spurs continued to be one of the best teams. In the 2006–07 season, they had a strong finish and entered the playoffs as a top team. They had a very competitive series against the Phoenix Suns. The Spurs then easily defeated the Utah Jazz to reach the NBA Finals. There, they swept the Cleveland Cavaliers to win their fourth NBA title in nine years. Tony Parker was named Finals MVP, becoming the first European-born player to win the award.

The Spurs remained a playoff team in the following years. They continued to win many games each season. However, they faced strong opponents like the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns in the playoffs. In 2010–11, they finished with the best record in the West but were upset in the first round.

Kawhi Leonard Joins the Team (2011–2016)

Kawhi Leonard joined the Spurs in 2011.

In 2011, the Spurs made a big trade, acquiring Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, along with young players like Danny Green, brought new energy to the team. Coach Popovich taught them the "Spurs' Way" of fast-paced, unselfish play and strong defense.

The Spurs continued their winning ways. In the 2011–12 season, they tied for the best record in the league. They swept the first two rounds of the playoffs. They won 20 straight games before losing in the Western Conference finals. The 2012–13 season saw them return to the NBA Finals to face the Miami Heat. It was a very close series, going to seven games. The Spurs were very close to winning in Game 6 but ultimately lost the series.

The 2014 NBA champions were welcomed by President Barack Obama at the White House.

The Spurs came back even stronger in the 2013–14 season. They had the best record in the NBA, including a franchise-record 19 straight wins. They made it back to the NBA Finals for a rematch with the Miami Heat. This time, the Spurs dominated, winning the championship in five games. They won each of their games by 15 points or more. Kawhi Leonard had an amazing performance and was named NBA Finals MVP.

In 2014, the Spurs made history by hiring Becky Hammon as an assistant coach. She became the first full-time female coach in any major U.S. professional sports league. The 2014–15 season ended with a tough first-round playoff loss. In the 2015–16 season, the Spurs acquired LaMarcus Aldridge and had their best regular season ever, winning 67 games. They also set an NBA record for most home wins in a season with 40. However, they lost in the second round of the playoffs. On July 11, 2016, Tim Duncan announced his retirement after 19 incredible seasons with the Spurs.

Post-Duncan Challenges (2016–2023)

Leonard and Aldridge Lead (2016–2018)

Aldridge was selected for three All-Star games and two All-NBA teams while with the Spurs.

Even after Tim Duncan retired, the Spurs remained a strong team in the 2016–17 season. Led by Kawhi Leonard, they finished with 61 wins. They reached the Western Conference finals but faced injuries to key players, including Leonard. They lost to the Golden State Warriors.

The 2017–18 season was challenging due to disagreements about Kawhi Leonard's injury recovery. Leonard played only a few games that season. The Spurs still made the playoffs but lost in the first round. After the season, Leonard and Danny Green were traded to the Toronto Raptors. Long-time Spurs stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili also retired or left the team.

A Period of Change (2019–2023)

DeMar DeRozan joined the Spurs in the trade for Kawhi Leonard.

The 2018–19 season was the first time in many years the Spurs started without any of their "Big Three" players. Despite this, they still made the playoffs for the 22nd consecutive season, tying an NBA record. They lost in a close seven-game series.

The 2019–20 season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the season restarted in a special "NBA Bubble," the Spurs played hard. However, for the first time since 1997, the Spurs did not make the playoffs. This ended their amazing 22-year playoff streak. The team also finished with a losing record for the first time in many years.

The next two seasons (2020–21 and 2021–22) also saw the Spurs miss the playoffs. Key players like LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan left the team. Young players like Keldon Johnson and Dejounte Murray began to step up. Murray even became an All-Star in 2022. The 2022–23 season was a very tough year for the Spurs, as they finished with one of the worst records in the league.

The Victor Wembanyama Era (2023–Present)

Building for the Future (2023–2025)

Wembanyama in 2024.

On May 16, 2023, the Spurs won the NBA draft lottery. This gave them the first pick in the 2023 NBA draft. They used this pick to select Victor Wembanyama, a highly anticipated young player from France. Wembanyama quickly became a star. He was unanimously named NBA Rookie of the Year and finished second for Defensive Player of the Year. He also set many rookie records. Even with Wembanyama's amazing play, the team continued to build for the future, finishing with a similar record in the 2023–24 season.

During the 2024 off-season, the Spurs added experienced players like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. They also drafted talented young players Stephon Castle and Rob Dillingham. Coach Gregg Popovich took time off for health reasons, and Mitch Johnson stepped in as head coach. Before the trade deadline, the Spurs acquired All-Star point guard De'Aaron Fox. Unfortunately, Wembanyama missed the rest of the season due to blood clots. Despite this, Stephon Castle was named Rookie of the Year. On May 2, 2025, Coach Popovich announced he would step down as head coach but remain president of basketball operations, and Mitch Johnson became the permanent head coach.

A Return to the Finals (2025–2026)

The 2025–26 NBA season was a fantastic year for the Spurs, their best since 2016. They drafted Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant. The team started the season with their best-ever record, winning their first five games. In the 2025 NBA Cup, San Antonio won their group and made it to the championship game, where they lost to the New York Knicks. Both Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox were selected for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

The Spurs secured a playoff spot on March 19, marking their first playoff appearance since 2019. They also won their first Southwest Division title since 2017. They finished the regular season with a great 62–20 record, earning the second seed in the Western Conference. In the 2026 NBA playoffs, they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. They then outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games to reach their first NBA Finals since 2014. In the Finals, they played against the New York Knicks. The Spurs won Game 3, which was a very popular game to watch. However, the Knicks ultimately won the series 4-1, winning the NBA Finals.

Team Rivalries

Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers

From 1999 to 2005, the Spurs and Lakers won seven Western Conference titles together.

For many years, the games between the Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers were some of the most exciting in the NBA. These two teams met in the playoffs five times in six seasons. One of them always made it to the NBA Finals between 1999 and 2005.

Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

The rivalry between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks is special because both teams have roots in Texas. These games are always competitive. The Spurs clinched a playoff spot in 2013 with a close win over the Mavericks.

Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns

The Spurs and the Phoenix Suns have met many times in the playoffs since 1992. They have had many memorable moments, including exciting game-winning shots and very competitive games.

Spurs vs. Houston Rockets

The rivalry with the Houston Rockets became very exciting again in the 2017 playoffs. The two Texas teams met in the Western Conference Semifinals. It was a tough series with injuries to Spurs players like Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard. But the Spurs won the series in six games.

Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The rivalry between the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder has been important for many years. In the 2010s, it was a clash of styles. Now, in the mid-2020s, it's about young, top talent. The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, have recently had strong performances against the defending-champion Thunder.

Team Look: Logos and Uniforms

The San Antonio Spurs' previous wordmark logo.

Since becoming the San Antonio Spurs in 1973, the team's colors have been black, silver, and white. The team's unique logo, with the word "Spurs" and a stylized spur instead of the letter "U," has been part of their identity since they moved to San Antonio.

The Spurs wore black-and-white letters on their uniforms for much of the 1980s.

The Spurs usually wear black uniforms for away games and white uniforms for home games. Over the years, their uniforms have had small changes, but the main look has stayed the same. They sometimes wear special silver uniforms or uniforms with military camouflage patterns.

The Spurs also wear jerseys that say "Los Spurs" on the front. This is to honor their many Latino fans in San Antonio and beyond. These "Noches Latinas" (Latin Nights) events celebrate Hispanic culture. The Spurs have had many players from Latin America and Spain.

In the 2020–21 season, the Spurs brought back a popular "Fiesta" themed uniform. This design used bright pink, orange, and turquoise colors from their past. They have continued to use creative designs for their "City" uniforms, often celebrating San Antonio's history and culture. For the 2025–26 season, they introduced a new silver "Statement" uniform with "San Antonio" written across the chest.

The Coyote: Team Mascot

The Coyote showing a sign to the crowd during a time-out at a Spurs game.

The Coyote has been the Spurs' fun mascot since 1983. He is known for his funny antics, skits, and dancing. The Coyote was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2007. He is a beloved part of the Spurs' game experience.

Season Records

Here are the results for the last five seasons the Spurs have completed.

Where the Spurs Play

The Spurs have played in several arenas throughout their history:

• State Fair Coliseum (1967–1973)
• Moody Coliseum (1967–1973)
• Tarrant County Coliseum (1970–1971)
• Lubbock Municipal Coliseum (1970–1971)
• HemisFair Arena (1973–1993)
• Alamodome (1993–2002, 2023)
• Frost Bank Center (formerly SBC Center and AT&T Center) (2002–present)
• In November 2025, San Antonio voters approved plans to build a new arena for the Spurs in Downtown San Antonio.

Team Personnel

Current Players

Future Player Rights

The Spurs hold the NBA rights to players listed below. These players often develop in leagues outside the United States. The Spurs have a history of finding great international talent, like Manu Ginóbili and Tony Parker, who became All-Stars.

Draft	Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Nationality	Current team	Note(s)	Ref
2024	2	36	Núñez, JuanJuan Núñez	G	Spain	FC Barcelona (Spain)	Acquired from the Indiana Pacers
2011	2	59	Hanga, ÁdámÁdám Hanga	G/F	Hungary	Joventut Badalona (Spain)

Honored Jersey Numbers

The Spurs have retired the jersey numbers of many legendary players. This means no other player on the team can wear that number, honoring their lasting impact.

Notes:

• ¹ LaMarcus Aldridge wore the number from 2015 to 2021 with permission from Bruce Bowen.
• The NBA retired Bill Russell's No. 6 for all its member teams on August 11, 2022.
• On October 26, 2025, the Spurs honored Gregg Popovich with a "Pop 1,390" banner for his 1,390 regular season wins. It also includes five stars for his five NBA Championships and Hall of Fame induction.

Famous Players and Coaches

Many Spurs players and coaches have been recognized for their amazing careers by being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame or the FIBA Hall of Fame.

Notes:

• ¹ He also coached the team from 1967–1970.
• ² Robinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice: as a player and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team.
• ³ He also played for the team (1973–1978).

Notes:

• ¹ Robinson was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame twice: as a player and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team.

Team Records

Here are some of the all-time leaders for the San Antonio Spurs in different categories. Bold means the player is still active with the team. Italics means the player is still active but with a different team. "Name*" includes stats from both the ABA and NBA eras.

Points scored (regular season) as of the end of the 2025–26 season

Other statistics (regular season) as of the end of the 2025–26 season

Player Awards

NBA Awards

Many Spurs players and coaches have won important NBA awards for their outstanding performances.

All-Star Weekend Honors

Spurs players have also shined in the NBA All-Star Weekend events, showing off their skills and talent.

ABA Awards (Early Years)

Before joining the NBA, the Spurs (as the Chaparrals) also had players who won awards in the ABA.

See also

In Spanish: San Antonio Spurs para niños