Who Owns the Atlanta Hawks? A Local Guide to the Team’s Leadership and Legacy

If you live in Atlanta or follow local sports, you’ve probably wondered: “Who actually owns the Atlanta Hawks?” Beyond the players on the court at State Farm Arena, there’s a large ownership group and leadership team shaping what you see on game night—and what the Hawks mean to the city.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to who owns the Hawks, how the ownership is structured, and why it matters for fans and the city.

The Current Atlanta Hawks Owner: Tony Ressler & Ownership Group

The Atlanta Hawks are owned by a group led by Tony Ressler, a private equity investor and longtime basketball fan. This ownership group purchased the team in 2015, marking a new era for the franchise and its presence in downtown Atlanta.

Key facts about the Hawks’ current ownership

• Principal Owner / Governor:Tony Ressler
• Ownership Type:Investor group, not a single individual
• Purchase Year: 2015
• Home Arena:State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303

Ressler is the face and primary decision-maker of the group, but he is not the only owner. A number of minority partners also hold stakes in the team.

Notable Members of the Hawks Ownership Group

The Hawks’ ownership group includes well-known names with strong ties to sports, business, and entertainment. This has helped the franchise become more visible both in Atlanta and nationally.

Some notable members of the Atlanta Hawks ownership group include:

• Tony Ressler – Principal owner and lead governor
• Grant Hill – Former NBA star and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer; serves as a vice chair in the ownership group
• Other private investors – A mix of business leaders and local stakeholders

The full list of minority owners is not always in the public spotlight, but what matters for most fans is that Ressler leads the group, with Hill and others playing key roles in governance and vision.

How Hawks Ownership Connects With Atlanta

The current ownership group has positioned the Hawks as a central part of downtown Atlanta’s sports and entertainment ecosystem. If you live or work in the city, you’ve probably felt some of the impact.

Investments in State Farm Arena and Downtown

Under Ressler’s leadership, the Hawks:

• Supported a major renovation of State Farm Arena, completed in 2018
• Emphasize fan experience, including improved seating, food options, and entertainment
• Work closely with the City of Atlanta and other partners on downtown development near Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center area

These changes make going to a Hawks game more than just basketball—it’s part of the broader downtown nightlife and entertainment scene.

Community and City Engagement

Ownership has emphasized that the Hawks are Atlanta’s team, with a focus on:

• Community programs around youth sports, education, and civic engagement
• Partnerships in the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) area
• Events and initiatives centered in neighborhoods across Fulton County and the metro area

If you’re an Atlanta resident, you’ll often see the Hawks’ name connected to local community courts, camps, and charity events.

Front Office Leadership Under the Current Owner

While Tony Ressler leads at the ownership level, day-to-day basketball and business decisions are handled by executives hired under this ownership group.

Basketball Operations

The owner’s group oversees hiring for roles such as:

• General Manager / Executive in charge of basketball operations – Responsible for trades, drafts, and roster moves
• Head Coach – Oversees on-court strategy and player development

Coaches and front office leaders can change over time, but their general mandate from ownership is usually a mix of:

• Building a competitive team
• Developing young talent
• Maintaining a strong organizational culture and identity that resonates with Atlanta

Business Operations

The Hawks’ business and arena operations side focuses on:

• Ticket sales and membership programs
• Sponsorships and partnerships with Atlanta-area companies
• Arena events beyond basketball, such as concerts and shows

All of this falls under the structure set and approved by the ownership group, which decides long-term strategy and major investments.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Play: State Farm Arena

Knowing who owns the team is only part of the picture—if you’re a fan in Atlanta, you might want to visit where the owner’s vision becomes real: State Farm Arena.

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

Located in the heart of downtown, near:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• CNN Center
• Centennial Olympic Park

This central location ties the Hawks directly into Atlanta’s busiest sports and entertainment district, something the current ownership group has leaned into by upgrading the arena experience.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Hawks Ownership Snapshot

How Hawks Ownership Affects Fans in Atlanta

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, who owns the Hawks indirectly affects what you experience:

1. Game-Day Experience

Ownership sets the tone for:

• Arena upgrades and comfort of seating, concourses, and amenities
• Food and beverage choices, often featuring local Atlanta businesses
• In-game entertainment, music, and overall atmosphere

If you’ve noticed that Hawks games feel more like full-scale events with music, visuals, and fan engagement, that’s largely shaped by ownership priorities.

2. Ticket Pricing and Accessibility

While prices can fluctuate, ownership influences:

• Season ticket structures
• Special packages for families, students, or local groups
• Efforts to keep some options accessible for everyday Atlantans, not just corporate buyers

Fans looking to attend more games can keep an eye on promotions and membership options, which arise from the business strategy set by ownership and front office leadership.

3. Long-Term Team Direction

Ownership is ultimately responsible for:

• Whether the team enters “rebuild” phases or pushes aggressively for playoff contention
• How heavily the team invests in player development vs. veteran stars
• Maintaining a team identity that reflects Atlanta’s culture and diversity

If you care about the Hawks’ future as a franchise, understanding who owns the team helps explain why certain long-term decisions are made.

The Hawks’ Place in Atlanta’s Sports Landscape

The current ownership group has positioned the Hawks as:

• A pillar franchise alongside the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, and Atlanta United FC
• A major part of the city’s identity—especially for those who live or work in downtown, Midtown, and the surrounding neighborhoods

With a renovated State Farm Arena and a focus on community visibility, ownership has signaled that the Hawks are meant to be a long-term, deeply rooted part of Atlanta’s future.

If You Want to Engage With the Hawks Locally

If you’re interested in connecting more deeply with the team that Tony Ressler’s group owns, you can:

• Attend a game at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta
• Look for youth basketball clinics, camps, or community events run by the Hawks brand throughout the metro area
• Explore membership or partial-plan ticket options through the team’s primary ticket channels

These opportunities are all part of how the current ownership group shapes the relationship between the Hawks and Atlanta residents.

In short, the Atlanta Hawks are owned by Tony Ressler and an investor group that includes Grant Hill and others, with a strong emphasis on downtown presence, arena experience, and community impact. For fans in Atlanta, ownership isn’t just a name—it’s a driving force behind how the team fits into daily life in the city.