The Atlanta Hawks went viral recently after announcing its ‘Magic City Monday’ theme night at one of their upcoming NBA games, but one basketball star is staunchly opposing the Eastern Conference team’s plans.
On March 16, Atlanta is debuting its controversial theme night when the Hawks take on the Orlando Magic. ‘Magic City Monday’ is expected to be a huge draw for Atlanta natives as the team celebrates the city’s historic strip club.
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However, San Antonio Spurs star Luke Kornet has spoken out against the evening’s festivities, calling for the league to “protect and esteem women.”
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Luke Kornet is requesting the Hawks cancel tonight's "Magic City Monday" theme night with the iconic Atlanta strip club.
"The NBA should desire to protect and esteem women." pic.twitter.com/8gOuMlQ5zq
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 2, 2026
‘Magic City Monday’ is slated to feature several key Atlanta figures, including rapper T.I., who will perform at the Hawks game.
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However, Kornet released a statement advocating for women’s rights and suggested that the game’s theme doesn’t play well for the NBA.
“The NBA should desire to protect and esteem women, many of whom work diligently every day to make this the best basketball league in the world…,” Kornet said Monday. “…We should promote an atmosphere that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love…”
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San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet against the Toronto Raptors during an NBA game. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Many NBA players and fans have expressed their interest in the special NBA event. The Magic City nightclub has been famous for decades with both its women and popular wings.
Former basketball star Lou Williams famously went to the Atlanta club during the 2020 NBA season. That came when he broke the league’s COVID-19 protocols to get their lemon pepper wings. During the upcoming Magic game, the Hawks revealed they will serve multiple types of wings to their fans.
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