Atlanta Hawks Disappointed After NBA Cancels 'Magic City Monday' Promotion

The team says it will still celebrate Atlanta's culture in authentic ways, but the planned tribute to the famed strip club has been scrapped.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Atlanta Hawks expressed disappointment after the NBA canceled the team's planned 'Magic City Monday' promotion, which was set to feature food, music, and exclusive merchandise honoring the iconic Atlanta strip club. The league made the decision after receiving backlash, with some players and fans criticizing the potential objectification of women. The Hawks say they remain committed to celebrating Atlanta's culture, but the limited-edition merchandise and live podcast recording have been canceled.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the ongoing debate around the role of adult entertainment establishments in professional sports, as the league aims to promote inclusivity and avoid controversy. It also underscores the challenges teams face in balancing honoring local culture and institutions with maintaining the NBA's family-friendly image.

The details

The Hawks had announced plans in February for 'Magic City Monday,' a tribute to the famed Atlanta strip club, featuring the club's signature lemon pepper wings, music, and exclusive merchandise. However, the announcement was met with mixed reactions, with some players and fans criticizing the potential objectification of women. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ultimately decided to cancel the promotion after speaking with the Hawks, fans, and players.

  • The Hawks announced the 'Magic City Monday' promotion in February 2026.
  • The NBA canceled the promotion on March 10, 2026.

The players

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who decided to cancel the 'Magic City Monday' promotion.

Jami Gertz

The Hawks' primary owner who was set to participate in a live podcast recording as part of the canceled promotion.

T.I.

The rapper who was scheduled to perform at halftime during the 'Magic City Monday' game.

Michael Barney

The founder of Magic City, the strip club that was the focus of the canceled promotion.

Luke Kornet

The San Antonio Spurs center who criticized the 'Magic City Monday' promotion, saying it would reflect poorly on the NBA community.

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What they’re saying

“We are very disappointed in the NBA's decision to cancel our 'Magic City Monday' promotion.”

— Atlanta Hawks, Team Statement (cbsnews.com)

“Celebrating Magic City would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, given the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.”

— Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs Center (cbsnews.com)

“After speaking with the Hawks, fans, and players, I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Hawks say they will still celebrate Atlanta's culture in authentic ways, but the limited-edition merchandise and live podcast recording related to the 'Magic City Monday' promotion have been canceled.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing tension between honoring local culture and institutions, and maintaining the NBA's family-friendly image. It underscores the challenges teams face in balancing these competing priorities, as the league aims to promote inclusivity and avoid controversy.