Magic City controversy: Luke Kornet's plea to end Atlanta Hawks' strip club plans ends after long debate

The NBA has shut down the Atlanta Hawks’ planned “Magic City Night,” bringing an abrupt end to a promotion that had stirred debate across the basketball world. The theme night, tied to the well-known Magic City venue in Atlanta, was scheduled for March 16 during the Hawks’ home game against the Orlando Magic.The franchise had framed the event as a celebration of Atlanta culture. Plans included food inspired by the club’s famous lemon pepper wings, music performances, merchandise, and a special podcast recording. The concept quickly divided opinion across the league. By Monday, league leadership stepped in, ending the promotion after hearing concerns from players, employees, partners, and fans.

NBA cancels Atlanta Hawks' Magic City Night promotion

The league confirmed that the planned in-arena promotion would not take place.

Commissioner Adam Silver explained that the NBA examined the situation after learning about the event and speaking with Hawks leadership.“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks' scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” Silver said. “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 cancelling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.

”The Hawks acknowledged the decision shortly after the announcement."While we are very disappointed in the NBA's decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision," the Hawks said Monday.

"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."A halftime performance from Atlanta rapper T.I. is still scheduled, and certain food items tied to the theme may still appear. Other plans, including special merchandise sales and a live podcast discussion involving Hawks owner Jami Gertz and Magic City founder Michael Barney, have been canceled.

Spurs' Luke Kornet sparked the debate over the strip club promotion

While the league cited widespread concern, the major spark in the debate came from Luke Kornet of the San Antonio Spurs.

The veteran center publicly criticized the idea of celebrating a strip club during an NBA game, arguing that the message conflicted with the league’s values.Kornet wrote that the league should prioritize respect for the many women who work throughout the NBA organization and its teams."The NBA should desire to protect and esteem women, many of whom work diligently every day to make this the best basketball league in the world. We should promote an atmosphere that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love."Former Hawks big man Al Horford voiced support for Kornet’s stance, which helped push the discussion into a wider league conversation.