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NBA Scraps Atlanta Hawks' 'Magic City Monday' Event
League cites 'significant concerns' from stakeholders over promotion honoring Atlanta strip club.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The NBA has canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned 'Magic City Monday' promotion, which was intended to celebrate the renowned Atlanta strip club of the same name. The league cited 'significant concerns' from a 'broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees' as the reason for the cancellation.
Why it matters
The planned promotion sparked criticism from some, including San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet, who argued it could lead to the objectification and mistreatment of women. The NBA's decision to scrap the event reflects the league's efforts to promote an atmosphere that is 'protective and respectful' of women.
The details
The Hawks had planned to 'celebrate the city's iconic cultural institution' during a home game against the Orlando Magic next Monday. However, after the league became aware of the plans, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league reached out to Hawks leadership and ultimately decided to cancel the promotion.
- The NBA announced the cancellation on March 9, 2026.
The players
Adam Silver
The NBA Commissioner who announced the decision to cancel the 'Magic City Monday' promotion.
Luke Kornet
A San Antonio Spurs player who publicly criticized the Hawks' plans and urged the team to reconsider the event.
Atlanta Hawks
The NBA team that had planned the 'Magic City Monday' promotion to honor the renowned Atlanta strip club.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (CNN)
“While we are very disappointed in the NBA's decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect their 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.”
— Atlanta Hawks (CNN)
“In its press release the Hawks failed to acknowledge that this place is, as the business itself boasts, 'Atlanta's premier strip club.' Given this fact, I would like to respectfully ask that the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with Magic City.”
— Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs Player (CNN)
“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.”
— Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs Player (CNN)
The takeaway
The NBA's decision to cancel the Atlanta Hawks' 'Magic City Monday' promotion reflects the league's efforts to create an environment that is respectful and protective of women, amid concerns that the event could lead to the objectification of women. This decision highlights the ongoing challenges sports leagues face in balancing cultural celebrations with upholding values of equality and dignity.
