TLDR

• The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks’ planned “Magic City Night” promotion after widespread backlash
• Commissioner Adam Silver cited concerns from “fans, partners and employees” across the league
• San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet was among those who publicly objected, warning the event could normalize the mistreatment of women
• Some elements remain: rapper T.I. will still perform at halftime, and lemon pepper wings will still be sold

The Atlanta Hawks wanted to celebrate one of the city’s most storied — and controversial — institutions. The NBA said no.

The league on Monday canceled the Hawks’ planned “Magic City Night,” a promotion honoring Atlanta’s self-described “premier strip club” that had been scheduled for next Monday’s game against the Orlando Magic. Commissioner Adam Silver said the league “heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees.”

The Hawks had framed Magic City as an “iconic cultural institution” tied to Atlanta’s Black and hip-hop culture. Owner Jami Gertz, who produced a docuseries about the club, called the promotion “very meaningful.”

But critics — including San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet, who spoke out publicly — argued the event would make the NBA “complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women.” Mr. Kornet wrote that “many in this space experience abuse, harassment, and violence to which they should never be subjected.”

Mr. Silver said canceling “is the right decision for the broader NBA community.” The Hawks said they were “very disappointed” but would respect the decision.

T.I. will still perform at halftime, and lemon pepper wings will still be on the menu.

Read more:

• NBA cancels the Atlanta Hawks’ plans to celebrate the strip club Magic City

• NBA player Luke Kornet calls on Hawks to cancel promotion with Magic City adult entertainment club