T.I. Receives Standing Ovation for Halftime Show Despite Canceled Magic City Promotion

The Atlanta Hawks respected the NBA's decision to cancel the controversial promotion, but fans still showed up to support the hometown rapper.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:54pm

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Despite the NBA's decision to cancel the Atlanta Hawks' planned 'Magic City Night' promotion, which would have celebrated the iconic Atlanta strip club, the crowd still came alive for T.I.'s halftime performance. The rapper received a standing ovation as he performed his new single 'Let 'Em Know,' showcasing the city's support for the hometown artist even as the league nixed the controversial partnership.

Why it matters

The canceled Magic City promotion had generated significant debate, with some fans excited about the collaboration between the Hawks and the legendary club, while others raised concerns. The league's decision to shut down the promotion sparked mixed reactions, but T.I.'s performance demonstrated the city's enduring support for its cultural icons.

The details

The Hawks' primary owner, Jami Gertz, had ties to Magic City, having produced a docuseries honoring the club's legacy and influence on hip-hop, Black culture, and Atlanta. When the promotion was announced, Gertz said it was 'very meaningful' to her. However, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated the league had 'heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees,' leading to the cancellation. Despite the disappointment, the Hawks respected the NBA's decision.

  • The Magic City promotion was scheduled to debut during the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic game on March 17, 2026.
  • T.I. performed his new single 'Let 'Em Know' during the halftime show of the same game.

The players

T.I.

An Atlanta-based rapper and performer who received a standing ovation for his halftime show during the Hawks game.

Jami Gertz

The primary owner of the Atlanta Hawks, who had ties to Magic City and was involved in a docuseries honoring the club's legacy.

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner, who decided to cancel the Hawks' planned Magic City promotion after hearing concerns from various league stakeholders.

Atlanta Hawks

The NBA team that had planned the Magic City promotion, but respected the league's decision to cancel it.

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What they’re saying

“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.'”

— Jami Gertz, Atlanta Hawks Primary Owner (clutchpoints.com)

“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 (clutchpoints.com)

“While we are very disappointed in the NBA's decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision. As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta – with authenticity – in ways that continue to unite and bring us together.”

— Atlanta Hawks (clutchpoints.com)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance between honoring local culture and addressing broader concerns within the NBA community. While the Hawks' planned promotion sparked excitement among some fans, the league's decision to cancel it demonstrates the need for professional sports organizations to carefully navigate sensitive partnerships and promotions that could impact their broader stakeholders.