The Atlanta Hawks are under fire after announcing a collaboration with the famous Atlanta strip club Magic City for their upcoming “Magic City Monday” game on March 16. The promotion, which includes food specials and a halftime performance by rapper T.I., has drawn criticism for its tone-deaf timing during International Women’s Month.

The Hawks’ press release lauded Magic City as one of Atlanta’s “iconic cultural institutions,” highlighting the club’s signature lemon pepper wings and other entertainment features. Hawks executives framed the partnership as an “authentic, True to Atlanta-inspired game experience,” but did not acknowledge the establishment’s primary role as a strip club.

San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet publicly condemned the collaboration, arguing that it fails to protect or honor women and sends the wrong message during a month meant to celebrate women’s accomplishments. Kornet noted that women in the adult entertainment industry often face abuse and harassment, and that promoting a strip club as part of a family-oriented sporting event undermines the NBA’s responsibility to provide a safe and respectful environment for fans of all ages.

“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 wrote. “The celebration of a strip club is not conduct aligned with that vision.”

While the Hawks emphasized the cultural and culinary aspects of Magic City, critics argue that ignoring the sexualized nature of the venue is disingenuous and inappropriate, particularly during a month meant to honor women’s achievements. The promotion has sparked concern among players, fans, and league observers who expected higher standards for in-game partnerships.

The game is set for March 16 against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena, with tipoff at 7:00 p.m. ET.