NBA Cancels Atlanta Hawks' Magic City Tribute Night

League cites 'concerns' from stakeholders about celebrating adult entertainment club

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The NBA has canceled the Atlanta Hawks' plans to celebrate the city's famed Magic City adult entertainment club, saying it was responding to 'concerns' from many across the league. The Hawks had announced the tribute night, which was to include food, music, and exclusive merchandise, but the league ultimately decided to call off the promotion.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the complex relationship between professional sports leagues and adult entertainment establishments, as well as the broader societal debates around the role and portrayal of such businesses. The Hawks' tribute was seen by some as an attempt to honor an iconic cultural institution, while others viewed it as inappropriate for a league-sanctioned event.

The details

The Hawks had planned the Magic City tribute night, including serving the club's famous lemon pepper wings and hosting a live podcast taping. However, the league stepped in after receiving 'significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees.' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league believed canceling the promotion was the 'right decision for the broader NBA community.'

  • The Hawks had announced the tribute night last month.
  • The event was scheduled for next Monday, March 17, 2026 against the Orlando Magic.

The players

Adam Silver

NBA Commissioner who announced the decision to cancel the Hawks' Magic City tribute night.

Jami Gertz

Principal owner of the Atlanta Hawks who was involved in producing a docuseries about Magic City and supported the tribute night.

Luke Kornet

San Antonio Spurs player who spoke out against the idea of promoting a strip club.

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What they’re saying

“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks' scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale. 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

“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together 'Magic City: An American Fantasy.' The iconic Atlanta institution has made such an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”

— Jami Gertz, Principal owner, Atlanta Hawks

The takeaway

The NBA's decision to cancel the Atlanta Hawks' Magic City tribute night highlights the complex balance leagues must strike between honoring cultural institutions and avoiding potential controversies. This incident underscores the need for professional sports organizations to carefully consider the messaging and implications of their promotional activities, especially when they involve sensitive or adult-oriented subject matter.