JOURNAL ARTICLE

Professional sports are desperate to reach female fans. So why did an NBA team try to host an event with a strip club?

  • Published In: Fortune.com, 2026. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hinchliffe, Emma 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the controversy surrounding the Atlanta Hawks' planned "Magic City" theme night, which was intended to celebrate a well-known Atlanta strip club during an NBA game. The promotion, supported by Hawks owners Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, faced backlash for potentially objectifying women, with NBA player Luke Kornet and others criticizing it as disrespectful. NBA commissioner Adam Silver intervened, leading to the cancellation of the event due to concerns from fans, partners, and employees. The incident highlights tensions in professional sports’ efforts to engage female fans while balancing cultural sensitivities and respect for women. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Fortune.com. 2026/03, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Sports and Leisure
  • Publication Date:2026
  • Accession Number:192233869
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