Hawks Criticized for Planned Magic City Promotion

San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet objects to the Atlanta Hawks partnering with strip club Magic City on a promotional night.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet has criticized the Atlanta Hawks' plans to partner with Atlanta's iconic strip club Magic City for a promotional night, arguing that it would reflect poorly on the NBA community and potentially lead to the objectification and mistreatment of women. Kornet has called on the Hawks and the league to cancel the promotion in order to maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all fans.

Why it matters

The planned Hawks-Magic City promotion has sparked controversy, with some arguing that the NBA should aim to protect and respect women, many of whom work in the league. Critics say celebrating a strip club goes against the league's values and could enable the objectification of women in the adult entertainment industry.

The details

The Atlanta Hawks announced plans for a 'special one-night collaboration to celebrate the city's iconic cultural institution Magic City' during a home game against the Orlando Magic. However, Kornet and others have objected, noting that Magic City is Atlanta's 'premier strip club.' Kornet argues that regardless of how women end up in the adult entertainment industry, many experience abuse, harassment, and violence, and the NBA should not be complicit in this.

  • The Hawks' promotional night with Magic City is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Luke Kornet

A professional basketball player who currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs. Kornet graduated from Vanderbilt University, where he was the school's all-time leader for blocked shots.

Atlanta Hawks

An NBA team based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Magic City

An iconic strip club in Atlanta, which the Hawks have announced a promotional night to celebrate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Allowing this night to go forward without protest would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.”

— Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs player

“We should promote an atmosphere that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers and partners that we know and love.”

— Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs player

What’s next

The Atlanta Hawks have not yet indicated whether they will cancel the planned promotional night with Magic City.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing debate around the NBA's responsibility to promote an environment that is respectful and protective of women, especially in light of the adult entertainment industry's history of objectification and mistreatment of women.