Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:20pm

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The owner of the famed Magic City strip club in Atlanta, Mr. Magic, has broken his silence following the NBA’s decision to cancel the Atlanta Hawks’ ‘Magic City Monday’ promotion. In an interview, Mr. Magic explained that the event was supposed to be about serving the club’s popular lemon pepper wings, not having dancers appear at the game. However, he believes critics assumed the dancers would be involved, leading the NBA to cancel the promotion due to “significant concerns from fans, partners, and employees.” Meanwhile, a former Magic City dancer-turned-podcaster, GiGi Maguire, expressed disappointment over the collaboration falling through, arguing that Magic City is more than just a strip club and has been an important part of Atlanta’s creative economy.

Why it matters

The failed NBA partnership with Magic City highlights the complex and often controversial nature of strip clubs, which are seen by some as exploitative but by others as an important part of the local economy and culture. The cancellation also raises questions about how professional sports leagues navigate partnerships with businesses that some may view as unsavory or inappropriate.

The details

Mr. Magic, the owner of Magic City strip club in Atlanta, said the ‘Magic City Monday’ promotion with the Atlanta Hawks was meant to be a simple event featuring the club’s popular lemon pepper wings, not an appearance by the dancers. However, he believes critics assumed the dancers would be involved, leading the NBA to cancel the promotion. Meanwhile, former Magic City dancer GiGi Maguire expressed disappointment over the cancellation, arguing that Magic City is more than just a strip club and has been an important part of Atlanta’s creative economy for decades.

The ‘Magic City Monday’ promotion was supposed to take place on Monday, March 16, 2026 during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic.On Monday, March 16, 2026, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the league was canceling ‘Magic City Monday’ in response to ‘significant concerns from fans, partners, and employees.’
The players

Mr. Magic

The owner of the famed Magic City strip club in Atlanta.

GiGi Maguire

A former Magic City dancer who is now a podcaster, and who expressed disappointment over the cancelled NBA collaboration.

Luke Kornet

A San Antonio Spurs player who previously stated that the NBA should ‘desire to protect and esteem women,’ and who responded positively to the league’s decision to cancel ‘Magic City Monday.’

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who announced the cancellation of ‘Magic City Monday.’

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What’s next

The NBA has not indicated any plans for future collaborations with Magic City or other strip clubs.

The takeaway

This failed partnership highlights the complex and often controversial nature of strip clubs, which are seen by some as exploitative but by others as an important part of the local economy and culture. It also raises questions about how professional sports leagues navigate partnerships with businesses that some may view as inappropriate.