NBA Player Calls for Hawks to Cancel 'Magic City Monday' Promotion

San Antonio Spurs' Luke Kornet says the event celebrating Atlanta's prominent strip club would "reflect poorly" on the league.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 4:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Atlanta Hawks announced plans to host a 'Magic City Monday' promotion on March 16, featuring custom merchandise, the club's iconic lemon pepper wings, and a performance by rapper T.I. However, San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet is calling for the team to cancel the event, arguing it would 'reflect poorly' on the NBA and potentially 'objectify and mistreat women'.

Why it matters

The Hawks' planned promotion of Magic City, Atlanta's most well-known strip club, has sparked controversy, with Kornet and others arguing it goes against the NBA's values of being 'protective and respectful' of women. The debate highlights ongoing tensions around the adult entertainment industry and its relationship to professional sports.

The details

The 'Magic City Monday' event is set to take place when the Hawks host the Orlando Magic. It will feature custom Hawks merchandise, the club's signature lemon pepper wings, and a performance by rapper T.I. Kornet criticized the promotion, saying it would 'make the NBA complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women' associated with the adult entertainment industry.

  • The 'Magic City Monday' promotion is scheduled for March 16, 2026 when the Hawks host the Orlando Magic.

The players

Luke Kornet

A player for the San Antonio Spurs who has called for the Hawks to cancel their 'Magic City Monday' promotion.

Atlanta Hawks

The NBA team that announced plans to host a 'Magic City Monday' promotion celebrating the prominent Atlanta strip club.

T.I.

The rapper who is scheduled to perform at the Hawks' 'Magic City Monday' event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We should promote an atmosphere that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love. The celebration of a strip club is not conduct aligned with that vision.”

— Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs Player

“We doin' this one for the city ... Magic City”

— T.I.

What’s next

The Hawks have not yet indicated whether they will proceed with or cancel the 'Magic City Monday' promotion in response to Kornet's criticism.

The takeaway

The Hawks' planned promotion of Magic City, a prominent Atlanta strip club, has sparked a debate over whether professional sports leagues should be associating with the adult entertainment industry. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions around the objectification of women and the complex relationship between sports, entertainment, and societal values.