Who Owns the Atlanta Hawks? A Local Guide for Fans in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or follow local sports closely, you’ve probably heard that the Atlanta Hawks are owned by a group rather than a single person. Understanding who owns the Hawks helps explain how decisions get made about the team, State Farm Arena, and even community programs around the city.

Here’s a clear breakdown of who owns the Atlanta Hawks, how the ownership is structured, and what that means for fans in Atlanta.

The Short Answer: Who Is the Owner of the Atlanta Hawks?

The Atlanta Hawks are owned by an ownership group led by Tony Ressler, a businessman and investor.

The official ownership structure is commonly referred to as the Tony Ressler–Grant Hill-led group, which purchased the team and operating rights to the arena in 2015.

So when people ask, “Who is the owner of the Atlanta Hawks?” the most accurate, simple answer is:

Key People in the Hawks’ Ownership Group

While there are multiple investors involved, a few names matter most to fans in Atlanta:

Tony Ressler – Principal Owner and Governor

• Role: Principal owner and governor of the Atlanta Hawks
• Background: Co-founder of major investment firms and a longtime sports fan
• Involvement in Atlanta:
  • Has been a visible figure at games in State Farm Arena
  • Has emphasized building a competitive team and investing in the fan experience
  • Supports community and development projects connected to the Hawks’ presence downtown

For most day-to-day franchise decisions and NBA-level governance, Ressler is the main name associated with Hawks ownership.

Grant Hill – Vice Chair and Co-Owner

• Role:Co-owner and vice chair of the Hawks
• Background: Former NBA star and Hall of Famer, well known from his playing days with the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and others
• Connection to Atlanta:
  • Frequently involved as a public-facing leader for the franchise
  • Helps shape the team’s image and community work
  • Has strong respect among players and fans due to his playing career and broadcasting work

For Atlanta sports fans, Grant Hill’s presence in ownership adds a basketball-savvy voice and a familiar face to the front office.

How the Hawks’ Ownership Group Works

The Hawks are not owned by a single person the way some franchises are. Instead, they’re controlled by a consortium of investors.

Ownership Structure at a Glance

Here’s a simple way to understand it:

While you may not hear about every minority owner by name, they collectively help support:

• Player contracts and basketball operations
• Arena upgrades and fan amenities
• Community programs throughout metro Atlanta

The NBA officially recognizes the group through the principal owner (Ressler), who represents the team on league matters.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Are Based in Atlanta

To understand the ownership in a local context, it helps to know where the Hawks operate day to day.

State Farm Arena – Downtown Atlanta

• Location: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Neighborhood: Downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The ownership group also controls the operating rights to State Farm Arena. This means they’re not just responsible for the basketball team but also for:

• The game-day experience (concessions, entertainment, arena technology)
• Major arena renovations and fan improvements
• Hosting concerts and events that bring more activity downtown

If you’re going to a Hawks game, concert, or event, you’re interacting directly with the business side of the ownership group.

Practice Facility – Atlanta Hawks Training Facility

The Hawks’ training facilities are located in the metro area and are part of the team’s long-term investment in player development and performance. While these facilities aren’t tourist attractions, they reflect the ownership’s commitment to:

• Training and medical support for players
• Modern, competitive infrastructure to attract and retain talent

What Hawks Ownership Means for Atlanta Residents

The ownership of the Hawks doesn’t just affect what happens on the court. It influences how the team interacts with Atlanta as a city.

1. Investment in Downtown and the Arena District

Under the Ressler-led group, the Hawks have been associated with initiatives that:

• Upgrade State Farm Arena to make it more fan-friendly
• Improve access to entertainment and dining options near the arena
• Help make downtown Atlanta more active on game nights and event days

If you live or work downtown, you’re likely to feel the impact of home games and arena events in the form of:

• Increased foot traffic and transit use
• More nightlife and dining activity on game days
• Occasional road closures or congestion around the arena

2. Community and Youth Programs

Like many NBA franchises, the Hawks’ ownership group supports or funds community-facing efforts. In Atlanta, this can include:

• Youth basketball programs and clinics around the metro area
• Education-focused initiatives and partnerships with local schools
• Support for neighborhood improvements and charitable events

If you’re a parent in metro Atlanta, you may find opportunities for your child to participate in Hawks-affiliated basketball camps or programs, often influenced or backed by team ownership.

3. Economic Impact on the City

Owning an NBA team in Atlanta involves more than just basketball. The Hawks are part of the city’s broader economic and cultural landscape:

• Jobs at State Farm Arena (game-day staff, operations, security, concessions)
• Local contracts for construction, services, and renovation projects
• Tourist activity from visiting fans and event attendees

While individual Atlantans may interact more with tickets, concessions, and merchandise than with ownership itself, the ownership group drives the strategy behind those offerings.

How Ownership Affects the Fan Experience

If you’re a Hawks fan in Atlanta, ownership affects several things you notice directly:

Ticket Prices and Seating Options

Ownership decisions shape:

• Pricing strategy for single-game tickets and season tickets
• The balance between premium seating, suites, and more affordable sections
• Promotions or theme nights designed to draw specific communities or families

You might notice certain nights focused on local neighborhoods, cultural celebrations, or fan appreciation—these are part of the broader business and community vision guided by ownership.

Arena Upgrades and Amenities

Recent and ongoing investments in State Farm Arena reflect choices made by the ownership group, such as:

• Updating scoreboards, lighting, and sound systems
• Improving concessions and offering wider food choices
• Adding more fan engagement areas, lounges, and interactive zones

If you’ve been going to Hawks games for a long time, you’ve probably seen the arena evolve over the years, especially after the Ressler group took over.

On-Court Direction

Ownership does not pick the lineups or call plays, but it does:

• Hire and support the general manager and front office
• Approve major player contracts and trades
• Set long-term goals (rebuilding vs. contending, youth development, etc.)

In Atlanta, that means the style of team you see—whether it’s built around stars, youth, or a balanced roster—flows from the ownership’s willingness to invest and commit to a direction.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta: How to Experience the Hawks

Even if you’re just in town for a few days and curious about the team and its owners, you can easily include the Hawks in your plans.

Catch a Game at State Farm Arena

• Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Access:
  • MARTA rail to GWCC/CNN Center Station puts you a short walk from the arena
  • Plenty of parking garages and lots nearby, though they can fill up on game nights

You’ll be experiencing the ownership group’s vision firsthand—everything from the in-game entertainment and music to concessions and arena design.

Explore the Area Around the Arena

Before or after a game, many fans:

• Walk to Centennial Olympic Park
• Visit attractions like the College Football Hall of Fame or the Georgia Aquarium
• Eat or drink at nearby restaurants and bars that stay busy on Hawks home nights

This whole ecosystem is closely tied to having a stable, active NBA franchise anchoring the area.

How to Stay Updated on Ownership and Team Changes

If you’re in Atlanta and want to keep up with any developments involving Hawks ownership:

• Follow official Atlanta Hawks announcements about leadership, arena changes, or major initiatives
• Listen to local sports radio or follow Atlanta sports media, which regularly discuss ownership decisions and how they shape the team
• Pay attention to public statements from Tony Ressler and Grant Hill, especially around the offseason, draft, and big signings

Ownership changes are relatively rare, but when they happen, they are usually publicly announced and discussed locally, especially on Atlanta-focused outlets.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• The Atlanta Hawks are owned by an investment group led by Tony Ressler, with Grant Hill as a significant co-owner and vice chair.
• Ownership controls both the NBA franchise and the operations of State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta.
• Decisions made by the ownership group affect ticket prices, arena experience, community programs, and the team’s long-term direction.
• For Atlantans, this ownership group plays a visible role in the downtown economy, community engagement, and overall sports culture of the city.

If you’re living in or visiting Atlanta and you cheer for the Hawks at State Farm Arena, you’re experiencing the direct impact of the Ressler–Hill ownership era every time you step through the doors.