The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks’ March 16 'Magic City Night' promotion amid broad concerns, scrapping in-arena events and limited-edition merch; T.I. will still perform at halftime and wings will be served.
The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks’ planned Magic City Night, citing concerns from fans, partners and league employees about objectifying women. The promotion was to celebrate the city’s Magic City strip club with food (including lemon pepper wings), a TI performance and exclusive merch, and it followed public criticism from Luke Kornet and others before Commissioner Adam Silver announced the decision.
The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned 'Magic City Monday' promotional night, which would have featured a TI performance and special wings/hoodie, after concerns about endorsing the club's image and potential objectification; Commissioner Adam Silver called the decision the right move for the broader NBA community.
The Atlanta Hawks’ planned “Magic City Monday” celebration—honoring Atlanta’s Magic City with merchandise, wings, and a T.I. halftime show—has sparked backlash from Luke Kornet, who argues it promotes the mistreatment of women. Michelle Beadle counters, saying Magic City is more than a titty bar and criticizing men for dictating what women should want, while the NBA has not intervened.
Draymond Green defended Atlanta’s Magic City Night on his podcast, calling strip club performances a form of art and fueling a broader debate over the NBA’s promotion of strip-club culture ahead of the Hawks’ game with the Magic. The move drew pushback from fans and players, including Luke Kornet, who urged cancellation, and support from Al Horford, highlighting a tension between the league’s wholesome image and edgier entertainment.
The Atlanta Hawks will celebrate Atlanta’s Magic City during their March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic with a one-night collaboration featuring a halftime performance by T.I., DJ Esco-curated pregame music, a live Hawks AF Podcast recording hosted by Jami Gertz and Mr. Magic, Magic City Kitchen lemon pepper wings, and a limited-edition Peachtree-themed hoodie, with special ticket packages available.
A Starz docuseries explores the cultural significance of Atlanta's Magic City strip club, highlighting its role in hip-hop history, the controversy surrounding Nelly's 'Tip Drill' video, and the experiences of dancers like Whyte Chocolate, while addressing issues of agency, misogyny, and representation of Black women.
The STARZ series 'Magic City: An American Fantasy' explores how Atlanta's Magic City strip club has significantly influenced Southern hip-hop, nightlife, and the city's cultural identity over 40 years, highlighting its role as a hub for music, business, and community, while also addressing its complex history and impact on artists and dancers.
Former NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. resigned after expense reports revealed he and union staff visited Atlanta's Magic City strip club during an NFLPA summit, spending over $2,400, including cash withdrawals, under the guise of a 'Player Engagement Event.' Howell, who had recently come under scrutiny for confidentiality agreements related to league arbitration decisions, stepped down to avoid distraction from union work amid ongoing controversies.