luke kornet to Magic city: A modest proposal
‘Magic City’ idea ‘would reflect poorly’ on NBA, Spurs’ Luke Kornet says of Hawks
What?
On March 2, 2026, San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet published an open letter urging the Atlanta Hawks to cancel “Magic City Night,” a March 16, 2026, promotion tied to Atlanta strip club Magic City at State Farm Arena during a game against the Orlando Magic. Kornet wrote that proceeding “without protest” would “reflect poorly” on the National Basketball Association because it could normalize the “objectification and mistreatment of women.”
So What?
Ca-caw: Kornet turned an in-arena theme night into a leaguewide values fight, raising reputational risk for the Hawks and the National Basketball Association if the event moves forward unchanged. The blowback also tests how far teams can go in “culture” partnerships before players, sponsors, or the league push back.
WTF?
The night promotes a strip club, but reports say it will do so “without the dancers,” while still leaning on the brand’s celebrity and food-cachet appeal.
Now What?
Watch whether the Hawks alter, reframe, or proceed with the March 16 promotion as scheduled, and whether the National Basketball Association issues any public guidance or comment as the criticism spreads. Also watch for additional player statements and any sponsor reactions that could force a pivot before tipoff.
Further reading
- https://hawks.com/news/hawksto-celebrate-atlantas-iconic-cultural-institution-magic-city-during-the-teams-magic-city-monday-game-against-the-orlando-magic-on-monday-march-16
- https://lukekornet.medium.com/concerning-the-atlanta-hawks-0f07c62ea65e
- https://apnews.com/article/hawks-magic-city-club-night-luke-kornet-spurs-e422f9344fc122168bd0ebafb3fe1e98
- https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/02/atlanta-hawks-magic-city-strip-club-theme-night-nba
