NBA Cancels Atlanta Hawks' 'Magic Monday' Promotion Celebrating Local Strip Club

League steps in after backlash over plans to honor Magic City strip club during game against Orlando Magic.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The NBA has canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned 'Magic Monday' promotion that was set to celebrate the city's famous Magic City strip club during a game against the Orlando Magic. The league stepped in after receiving significant backlash from fans, partners, and employees about the planned promotion.

Why it matters

The decision to cancel the promotion highlights the NBA's efforts to maintain an environment that is family-friendly and respectful, avoiding the potential objectification of women that could come from celebrating a strip club. It also reflects the league's responsiveness to concerns raised by players and the broader basketball community.

The details

The Hawks were planning to host 'Magic Monday' on March 16 when the Orlando Magic were scheduled to visit. The promotion was set to celebrate Magic City, a renowned strip club in Atlanta known for its lemon pepper wings. However, after San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet wrote a blog post urging the Hawks to reconsider the event, the NBA stepped in to cancel the promotion, citing concerns from a 'broad array of league stakeholders'.

  • The Hawks were set to host 'Magic Monday' on March 16, 2026.
  • On March 9, 2026, the NBA announced it was canceling the promotion.

The players

Adam Silver

The commissioner of the NBA who announced the decision to cancel the Hawks' promotion.

Luke Kornet

A player for the San Antonio Spurs who wrote a blog post urging the Hawks to reconsider the 'Magic Monday' promotion.

Atlanta Hawks

The NBA team that had originally planned the 'Magic Monday' promotion to celebrate the local Magic City 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.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (ESPN)

“We desire to provide an environment where fans of all ages can safely come and enjoy the game of basketball and where we can celebrate the history and culture of communities in good conscience. The celebration of a strip club is not conduct aligned with that vision.”

— Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs Player (Blog Post)

What’s next

The NBA will work with the Atlanta Hawks to find a more appropriate way to celebrate the city's culture and history that aligns with the league's values and commitment to providing a family-friendly environment.

The takeaway

This decision by the NBA demonstrates the league's willingness to listen to player and fan concerns, and to prioritize maintaining an atmosphere that is respectful and inclusive for all. It highlights the ongoing challenges professional sports leagues face in balancing entertainment, community engagement, and upholding their values.