Luke Kornet has openly criticized the Atlanta Hawks for their planned “Magic City Night” promotion.
The San Antonio Spurs center published a blog post objecting to the team’s collaboration with the well-known Atlanta strip club.
His remarks have ignited discussion about team marketing decisions and league standards. The themed event is set for March 16 when the Hawks host the Orlando Magic.
Kornet challenges Hawks’ Magic City promotion
The Hawks introduced the themed night in partnership with Magic City, calling the venue an “iconic cultural institution” and pointing to its influence on Atlanta’s music scene.
Plans include a performance by Atlanta rapper T.I., co-branded merchandise, and the venue’s signature lemon pepper wings available at State Farm Arena.
Luke Kornet addressed the decision in a Medium post titled “Concerning the Atlanta Hawks.” He contended that promoting a strip club conflicts with the NBA’s responsibility to maintain a respectful setting for fans.
“Allowing this night to go forward without protest would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.”
“The celebration of a strip club is not conduct aligned with that vision.”
Wider debate emerges over culture and league image
Magic City has long been associated with Atlanta’s sports and hip-hop culture, drawing visits from prominent athletes and entertainers. The Hawks presented the collaboration as a reflection of local heritage.
Kornet further noted that the team’s announcement did not explicitly state that Magic City markets itself as “Atlanta’s premier strip club.” He encouraged league officials and fans to reconsider the promotion before it proceeds.
Kornet, a former Boston Celtics champion now in his first season with San Antonio, stressed that the NBA should foster an environment that values and protects women.
Reactions have been divided, with some fans supporting the Hawks’ cultural partnership and others backing Kornet’s objections.
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