The NBA has canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned 'Magic City Night' promotion for their March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena. The event, announced February 26, aimed to celebrate Atlanta's iconic Magic City strip club through food, music, merchandise, and a podcast, but drew criticism over concerns of objectification and the league's image, including from San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet and former Hawk Al Horford.
The Atlanta Hawks announced on February 26 plans for 'Magic City Night,' honoring the strip club as an "iconic cultural institution" and "Atlanta landmark." Hawks Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Proctor said, "From the food to the music and the exclusive merchandise, we are excited to team up with Magic City to create an authentic, True to Atlanta-inspired game experience."
Elements included a live podcast with Magic City founder Michael "Mr. Magic" Barney, rapper T.I., and Hawks principal owner Jami Gertz; T.I.'s halftime performance; limited-edition Peachtree-themed hoodies; and lemon pepper wings from Magic City Kitchen, including the "Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ" named after former Hawk Lou Williams.
Backlash followed swiftly. Spurs center Luke Kornet posted on his blog urging cancellation, arguing it would "reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society," citing "abuse, harassment, and violence" in the industry. Former Hawk Al Horford supported Kornet. Magic City, frequented by musicians, celebrities, and NBA players, previously linked to the league in 2020 when Lou Williams was photographed there during bubble quarantine protocols after claiming he was just picking up his namesake wings.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the cancellation Monday, stating: "When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale. While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community."
The Hawks expressed disappointment: "While we are very disappointed in the NBA’s decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision. As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta – with authenticity – in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together."
Some plans proceed: pre-ordered hoodies will be delivered (not sold at the game), T.I.'s halftime performance remains, and wings including Magic City flavors will be served. The podcast is canceled.
NatsHoney, president of Strippers United, called the cancellation a "slap in the face," highlighting Magic City's economic impact (over $278 million in annual Atlanta sales tax from bars/clubs) and calling for dancers' voices and donations to sex worker organizations. Analyst Jason Jones noted the decision prioritizes the league's image and sponsors over local culture, despite players' ties to such venues.
