On May 13, 2026, a photo posted on Instagram shows nuns in white dresses, Spurs jerseys on their backs, their eyes glued to a large screen. In just a few days, the photo garnered nearly 60,000 likes. The “Spurs nuns” were born, at least in the eyes of the general public.
However, the nuns’ history with the team is not new. The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, whose convent is based in west San Antonio, have supported the Spurs since the late 1990s. Sister Bernadette Mota, a former basketball coach, tells the National Catholic Reporter how it all began: “We had a few older sisters in our provincial retirement home. Some of them were born and raised in San Antonio, and whenever there was a game, they watched it. They were very upset when it had to be turned off because it was time to go to bed. »
A blessing before kick-off
These pioneers are now deceased, but others have taken over. An unexpected scene gave another dimension to their support during these 2026 play-offs. Before Game 4 of the Western Conference final against Oklahoma City (OKC), nine nuns appeared in the tunnel leading to the floor to bless Luke Kornet before he entered the field. The American pivot, visibly touched, said: “We’re going to take them to OKC. We need to get them on the plane. » The image circulated at high speed. Then, for match 6, won 118 to 91, the sisters waited for the players at the exit of the locker room, jerseys on their backs above their white dresses, to clap their hands like young fans.
The nuns make no secret of their favorite players: Luke Kornet, Dylan Harper, and of course Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, whom they describe as “an exceptional player on and off the field”. For Texans fans, these particular supporters have become a good luck charm as well as a symbol.
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During the deciding Game 7 in Oklahoma City, however, the sisters chose to stay in San Antonio. They organized a private evening with the children and families they support daily. “Before the match, we say the rosary for peace. And we will add a special intention for the Spurs. God bless and go Spurs! said Sister Bernadette Mota in the San Antonio Express-News.
Who are the Salesians really?
The congregation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, another name for the Salesian sisters, was founded in 1872 in Mornese, Italy, by Jean Bosco and Marie Mazzarello. Don Bosco, a 19th century Turin priest, dedicated his life to the young people of the poorest industrial suburbs. His educational intuition, known as the “preventive method”, is based on three pillars: reason, religion, and benevolence. No punishments, no authoritarianism but a warm presence among young people, in their spaces and their joys.
This so-called Salesian spirituality is recognized by what the congregation’s website describes as a way of being together “which links daily life with a bond of deep faith”. Today, the congregation has more than 11,500 sisters in 96 countries and its presence in the United States dates back to 1908, when four young Italian missionaries landed in New Jersey.
Sport as a missionary field
The American Western Province was established in Texas in 1934, making San Antonio its headquarters in 1987. It is in this context that the Salesians of San Antonio established their links with the Spurs and with Gregg Popovich, the legendary coach of the franchise. He met them several times, notably after the 2007 NBA title won against Cleveland.
On their site, the Salesians emphasize the importance of sport in building relationships: “Sports create common ground with young people, open doors to conversation, and offer a natural way to encourage teamwork, discipline and virtue. » “Our faith is not magic or superstition,” insists the congregation, “it is a life in Christ. It calls us to serve the Lord joyfully in all that we are and do, even while cheering for the Spurs. »
