NBA cancels Atlanta Hawks tribute to Magic City strip club

The NBA announced the cancellation of a promotional event planned by the Atlanta Hawks to honor Magic City, a well-known nightclub in Atlanta, after the league received significant concerns from multiple stakeholders.

The event, titled "Magic City Monday," had been scheduled for March 16 during a game against the Orlando Magic. The Hawks had announced the tribute approximately one month prior, describing Magic City as an iconic cultural institution in the city. The planned celebration was to include merchandise, performances, and chicken wings on the menu.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement explaining the decision. "When we learned of the promotion planned by the Atlanta Hawks, we contacted the team's leadership to better understand their plans and motivations," Silver said. "Although we appreciate the team's perspective and their desire to move forward, we heard significant concerns from a wide range of league stakeholders, including fans, partners, and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the NBA community as a whole."

Magic City is a nightclub with 40 years of history located approximately one and a half kilometers from the Hawks' arena. The venue is known for its connections to the rap and hip-hop music industry.

Luke Kornet, a center for the San Antonio Spurs, published a reflection on the initiative on Medium, urging the franchise to reconsider. Kornet raised concerns about the event's implications regarding the objectification and treatment of women.

The cancellation came less than a week before the scheduled event date.