Does Atlanta Have an NBA Team? A Local Guide to Pro Basketball in the City

Yes. Atlanta does have an NBA team: the Atlanta Hawks. If you live in the metro area, are visiting the city, or are just trying to understand Atlanta’s sports scene, the Hawks are the centerpiece of professional basketball here.

This guide walks you through who the Hawks are, where they play, how to catch a game, and what else to know about NBA basketball in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Hawks: Atlanta’s NBA Team

The Atlanta Hawks are the only NBA team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Eastern Conference in the NBA and typically play from October through April, with potential playoff games extending into late spring.

Key facts about Atlanta’s NBA team:

• Team name: Atlanta Hawks
• League: National Basketball Association (NBA)
• Conference: Eastern Conference
• Home arena: State Farm Arena
• Location: Downtown Atlanta, near Centennial Olympic Park and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium area

The Hawks are a major part of Atlanta’s identity as a sports city, alongside the Falcons (NFL), Braves (MLB), United (MLS), and Dream (WNBA).

Where Do the Atlanta Hawks Play?

State Farm Arena: Home of the Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks play their home games at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta.

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

It’s located right in the heart of the city, next to major landmarks and transit options, which makes getting to a game straightforward whether you live in-town or are coming from the suburbs.

Getting to the Arena

You have several common options to reach Hawks games:

• MARTA (Public Transit)

  • The closest MARTA rail stop is GWCC/CNN Center Station (on the Blue/Green line).
  • From the station, it’s a short walk to the arena.

• Driving and Parking

  • There are parking decks and surface lots surrounding the arena and nearby venues.
  • Many people pre-pay for parking on event days, especially for weekend or high-profile games.

• Rideshare and Taxis

  • Designated pickup and drop-off areas are typically marked around the arena on game days.
  • This can be easier than parking if you’re staying downtown or in Midtown.

When Does the NBA Season Happen in Atlanta?

If you’re planning around the Atlanta Hawks season, here’s the general structure:

Exact dates change each year, but if you’re in Atlanta any time between late fall and early spring, there’s a good chance you can catch an NBA game.

How to Watch the Atlanta Hawks in Person

Buying Tickets

You can typically buy Atlanta Hawks tickets:

• Online through official ticketing platforms
• At the arena box office on non-event days and game days, when available

For big matchups (for example, popular visiting teams or weekend games), it’s common for Atlanta fans to buy tickets in advance, especially if you want lower-level or center-court seats.

Game Day Experience

If you’re going to your first Hawks game in Atlanta, you can expect:

• Pre-game activities in and around the arena
• Concessions with a mix of standard arena food and local Atlanta-style options
• Team merchandise available at official Hawks team stores inside the arena
• A loud, energetic atmosphere, especially for rivalry or playoff games

🏀 Tip: If you’re bringing kids, earlier start times (often weekend afternoon games) can be easier for parking, transit, and getting in and out of downtown.

Watching the Hawks in Atlanta Without Going to the Arena

You don’t have to be at State Farm Arena to enjoy Atlanta’s NBA team.

Common ways Atlanta residents and visitors follow the Hawks include:

• Local TV / Regional Sports Networks (where available in the metro broadcast area)
• National TV Games when the Hawks are featured on widely available sports channels
• Radio broadcasts on Atlanta-area sports radio stations
• Sports bars and restaurants around the city, especially in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and popular neighborhood spots

If you’re staying at a hotel in Atlanta, front desks often know which nearby bars or restaurants regularly show Hawks games.

Other Professional Basketball in Atlanta

While the Atlanta Hawks are the only NBA team in the city, Atlanta has additional professional and high-level basketball options:

WNBA: Atlanta Dream

Atlanta is also home to the Atlanta Dream, a WNBA team. Their season runs in the summer, which means that if you’re in Atlanta in the warmer months, you might see the Dream instead of the Hawks.

• The Dream play their home games in the Atlanta area (venues have changed over time), giving fans another way to watch top-tier basketball.

College Basketball in Atlanta

Metro Atlanta also has NCAA basketball programs, including:

• Georgia Tech (Atlantic Coast Conference – ACC) in Midtown Atlanta
• Other local colleges throughout the metro area with men’s and women’s teams

These are not NBA teams, but if you’re a basketball fan living in or visiting Atlanta, they offer additional live-game options when the Hawks are out of season.

Youth and Community Basketball in Atlanta

If your question about “Does Atlanta have an NBA team?” is really about how connected the city is to basketball, the answer is that basketball runs deep here.

Common local opportunities include:

• Youth leagues and travel teams throughout the metro area
• Recreation centers and gyms run by the City of Atlanta and surrounding counties
• Private training facilities and camps that sometimes build around Hawks-related excitement

While these aren’t run by the NBA itself, many Atlanta families use Hawks games as a way to inspire kids who play in local leagues.

If You’re New to Atlanta: How the Hawks Fit Into the City’s Sports Culture

If you’ve just moved to Atlanta or are visiting for the first time, it helps to know how the Hawks fit into the bigger picture:

• The Hawks are a core part of downtown Atlanta’s event schedule, sharing the area with concerts and other major events.
• On game nights, you’ll see increased foot traffic around Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, and nearby restaurants.
• Many residents follow multiple Atlanta teams, so you’ll often hear the Hawks discussed alongside the Falcons, Braves, United, and Dream.

For a lot of locals, catching at least one Hawks home game per season is a regular tradition.

Quick Answers: NBA Basketball in Atlanta

• Does Atlanta have an NBA team?
  Yes. The Atlanta Hawks.

• What is the name of the NBA team in Atlanta?
  The Atlanta Hawks.

• Where do the Hawks play in Atlanta?
  State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303.

• Is there more than one NBA team in Atlanta?
  No. The Hawks are the only NBA team based in Atlanta.

• Are there other pro basketball teams in Atlanta?
  Yes. The Atlanta Dream in the WNBA, plus several major college programs in and around the city.

If you’re in or around Atlanta and want to experience NBA basketball, attending an Atlanta Hawks home game at State Farm Arena is the primary and most direct way to do it.