Who Owns the Atlanta Hawks? A Local Guide to the Team Behind the Team

If you live in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard plenty about Trae Young, State Farm Arena, and the “Highlight Factory” atmosphere. But when it comes to the business side of the Atlanta Hawks, many locals still wonder: who actually owns the Atlanta Hawks?

Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown of who owns the team today, how that ownership works, and what it means for fans in the city.

The Short Answer: Who Owns the Atlanta Hawks Today?

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

This ownership group is commonly referred to as the Tony Ressler-led group and includes several high-profile partners, such as former NBA player Grant Hill.

While people often imagine a single owner, the Hawks are actually owned by multiple partners, with Ressler serving as the principal owner and team governor.

Key People in the Atlanta Hawks Ownership Group

To understand who owns the Hawks, it helps to know the main faces and roles in the group.

Tony Ressler – Principal Owner and Governor

Tony Ressler is the primary owner and the public face of the Hawks’ ownership group.

• Business background: Co‑founder of major investment firms.
• Role with the Hawks:
  • Principal owner (sometimes referred to as “majority owner”)
  • Team governor, representing the team in league matters
• Focus areas: Organizational stability, front-office leadership, and the long-term vision for basketball and business operations in Atlanta.

For Atlanta residents, Ressler is the person most closely associated with decisions like:

• Long-term commitment to State Farm Arena staying in downtown Atlanta
• Investing in renovations and fan experience
• Supporting the basketball operations team and coaching staff

Grant Hill – Co-Owner and Vice Chair

Grant Hill, a Hall of Fame NBA player, is a co-owner and vice chair of the Hawks.

• NBA background: Former star with the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and others
• Role in Atlanta:
  • Part of the ownership group
  • Helps shape the organization’s culture and community presence
• Local impact:
  • Involved in community and branding efforts
  • Adds player perspective to ownership decisions

For fans in Atlanta, Hill’s presence often shows up in:

• The team’s emphasis on player development
• A strong focus on character and culture
• Public events, interviews, and community initiatives

Other Members of the Ownership Group

The Hawks’ ownership group also includes other investors and partners who may not be as visible but are part of the structure.

These partners typically:

• Provide capital and strategic input
• Support major business decisions
• Help guide long-term plans for the franchise in Atlanta

While their names are less known to the average fan, they are part of why the team has financial stability and the ability to invest in facilities and operations across the city.

How the Ownership Group Came to Control the Hawks

From Previous Owners to the Ressler Group

The Ressler-led group purchased the Atlanta Hawks in the mid‑2010s, taking over from a previous ownership group that had controlled the team for several years.

For Atlantans, the ownership change meant:

• Fresh leadership at the top
• A renewed focus on keeping the team in Atlanta
• Significant investment in venue upgrades and the fan experience

Under this ownership, the Hawks have emphasized:

• Staying rooted in downtown Atlanta
• Modernizing the arena
• Building a strong presence in the local community

What the Owners Actually Control

Many Atlanta fans know the players and coaches, but the owners shape almost everything behind the scenes, including:

1. Franchise Direction

The ownership group sets the overall direction and priorities of the franchise:

• Whether to rebuild or push aggressively for contention
• The general philosophy of the front office
• Approval of large contracts, trades, and long-term financial commitments

Day-to-day basketball decisions are made by the general manager and basketball operations staff, but ownership approval is critical for major moves.

2. State Farm Arena and Game Experience

The Hawks’ owners play a big role in how State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303) looks and feels:

• Funding for renovations and upgrades
• Decisions about premium seating, fan zones, and concessions offerings
• Investment in technology, scoreboards, and in‑game entertainment

For Atlantans, this shows up as:

• A more modern, fan-friendly arena
• Enhanced amenities for season-ticket holders and casual fans alike
• A venue that also hosts concerts and events beyond Hawks games

3. Community and Atlanta-Focused Initiatives

The Hawks’ ownership group has emphasized being deeply involved in the Atlanta community. While specific programs evolve over time, ownership support tends to include:

• Youth basketball and local court refurbishments
• Partnerships and events with Atlanta Public Schools and area nonprofits
• Voter access initiatives and civic engagement efforts
• Engagement across neighborhoods throughout the metro area

This approach helps position the Hawks as a civic partner, not just a sports entertainment brand.

Where the Hawks Fit in Atlanta’s Sports and Business Landscape

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, understanding who owns the Hawks is also about understanding how they fit into the broader Atlanta sports and business ecosystem.

Commitment to Staying in Atlanta

Under the Ressler-led ownership, the Hawks have emphasized:

• A long-term home at State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta
• Keeping the franchise identity strongly tied to the city
• Investing in facilities, staff, and marketing centered on Atlanta culture

This has reassured many locals who care about teams remaining in the city core.

Relationship with Local Government and Agencies

The Hawks’ ownership works alongside:

• The City of Atlanta
• Fulton County
• Local business organizations and civic partners

These relationships can be important when:

• Renovations or upgrades to the arena are planned
• Transportation and parking arrangements around the arena are discussed
• Large city events or visibility campaigns are coordinated

Quick Summary: Who Owns the Atlanta Hawks?

Here’s a simple breakdown you can scan quickly:

What This Means for Fans Living in Atlanta

For you as an Atlanta resident, here’s what ownership really affects in daily life:

• 🏀 Team Identity: A continued focus on branding the Hawks as Atlanta’s team, not just a generic NBA franchise.
• 🎫 Game Experience: Investments in State Farm Arena and fan amenities, making games more enjoyable whether you sit courtside or in the upper level.
• 🏙 City Pride: Efforts to connect the team with Atlanta neighborhoods, culture, music, and businesses.
• 🤝 Community Presence: Support for local events, youth programs, and partnerships that can reach schools and community centers across the metro area.

Visiting or New to Atlanta? How to See the Ownership in Action

If you’re visiting Atlanta or new to the city and want to experience what this ownership group has built:

• Attend a Hawks game at:
  State Farm Arena
  1 State Farm Dr
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Explore the surrounding downtown area, including nearby attractions and restaurants that benefit from game-day activity.

• Look for community or fan events organized by the Hawks, especially during the season and around playoffs.

Even though most of the owners stay behind the scenes, the impact of their decisions is visible every time the arena fills with fans, the lights go down, and the game tips off in downtown Atlanta.