The Atlanta Hawks have sparked an unexpected NBA controversy recently. The team announced that it will host a special “Magic City Night” on March 16, during a home game against the Orlando Magic. They will partner with Magic City, an Atlanta strip club that has become an iconic cultural landmark in the city’s music and nightlife scene. This drew sharp criticism from the league, particularly from a member of the San Antonio Spurs.
With this one-day celebration, the Hawks aim to highlight Magic City’s historical influence, emphasizing its role in hip-hop culture. Activities, including a halftime performance by Atlanta native T.I., the selling of specially branded merchandise, and Magic City’s signature lemon pepper wings, will also mark the event. However, not everyone sees it that way.
In an open letter published on Medium, as reported by The Guardian, Spurs center Luke Kornet took on a very public stand against the idea, calling on the Hawks to cancel the event. “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,” he said.
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‘Magic City Night’ Could Harm The NBA’s Image
In the letter, the devout Catholic argued that even without explicit adult entertainment elements at the game, celebrating a business that takes pride in being a premier strip club sends the wrong message and could harm the NBA’s image. The league turning a blind eye to this could reflect poorly on itand its players, making it appear complicit in the objectification and mistreatment of women in society.
“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,” Kornet wrote.
Although he takes his Catholic devotion seriously, Kornet did not mention religion in his strongly worded letter about the Hawks’ plans and involvement with the strip club. His stance stems from his genuine intent to oppose this partnership and to protect the image of the NBA and the players that represent it.
As their focus remains on this event, the Hawks are currently at .500 with a 31-31 record, good for ninth place in the Eastern Conference. They have been trying to reclaim their contender status since they closed their chapter with Trae Young. Meanwhile, Kornet and the Spurs are thriving behind Victor Wembanyama’s breakout season.
Published: Mar 3, 2026 03:30 pm