The NBA vetoes the Atlanta Hawks’ plans to team up with the strip club to play the Orlando Magic

The NBA has objected to the Atlanta Hawks’ plans to hold a promotional collaboration with a strip club at one of the team’s games next week.

The Hawks intended to partner with Atlanta-based adult entertainment venue Magic City to visit the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference on March 16.

There were no plans to host adult entertainment at the Hawks’ State Farm Arena home before, during or after the game but concerns have arisen in the NBA about the idea of ​​partnering with the strip club.

The Hawks described Magic City as an “iconic cultural institution” in a story on their website promoting the event and announced plans for food, music and merchandise as part of the “Magic City Monday” experience inside the arena.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league “reached out to Hawks leadership” to “better understand their plans and justifications” before deciding to intervene.

“While we appreciate the team’s perspective and desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a wide range of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees,” Silver said.

“I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”

The Hawks said they were “disappointed” by the NBA’s decision but “fully respect it.”

“As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta — authentically — in ways that continue to unite us and bring us all together,” a statement added.