Who Owns the Atlanta Hawks? A Local Guide to the Team’s Owners and Influence in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, work downtown, or plan a trip to State Farm Arena, it’s natural to wonder: who actually owns the Atlanta Hawks, and how does that ownership affect the city?

Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown.

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 private equity executive. This group purchased the team in 2015.

The principal figures in the Hawks’ ownership group include:

• Tony Ressler – Principal owner and chairman of the Hawks
• Grant Hill – Former NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, vice chair and minority owner
• A group of additional minority investors, including business leaders and community-focused partners

The team is operated under Atlanta Hawks, LLC, and the ownership group also controls related entities tied to State Farm Arena and team operations.

For Atlanta residents and visitors, the key point is:
The Hawks are locally centered, privately owned, and actively involved in Atlanta’s civic and business life.

How the Hawks’ Ownership Works

A Group Ownership Model

The Hawks are not owned by a single person. Instead, they use a group ownership model:

• Majority owner (lead governor):
  Tony Ressler is the primary decision-maker. In NBA terms, he is the “governor” of the franchise, representing the Hawks on the NBA Board of Governors.

• Minority partners:
  Partners like Grant Hill and others hold smaller stakes. They contribute capital, expertise, and connections, but do not control day-to-day decisions.

This group model is common in the NBA. For Atlantans, it means:

• The financial load is shared across multiple investors.
• There is often a mix of business, sports, and community perspectives at the ownership level.
• The team’s identity can be influenced by more than one voice, including former players like Hill.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Call Home in the City

Even though the owners themselves live and work in various places, the team’s physical and business presence is deeply rooted in metro Atlanta.

State Farm Arena (Downtown)

State Farm Arena is the home court of the Atlanta Hawks:

• Location:
  1 State Farm Drive
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  (In the heart of downtown, next to the CNN Center area and near Mercedes-Benz Stadium.)

At State Farm Arena, the Hawks’ ownership has direct responsibility for:

• Game operations and fan experience
• Premium seating and suites
• Concessions and in-arena entertainment, usually through contracted partners
• Larger building renovations and long-term planning (often in coordination with the City of Atlanta and other stakeholders)

Atlanta Hawks Headquarters & Practice Facility

The Hawks also operate a modern practice and training facility in Brookhaven, just north of the city of Atlanta. While it’s not a tourist stop like the arena, it’s where much of the basketball-side decision making and player development happens under the guidance of ownership and the front office.

What the Owners Actually Do (From an Atlanta Perspective)

Knowing “who” owns the Hawks is only part of the story. For someone in Atlanta, it’s just as important to understand what ownership controls and influences.

Here are the major areas where ownership has direct impact:

1. Basketball Direction and Culture

Ownership hires and oversees:

• The team’s CEO and president
• The general manager (GM) or president of basketball operations
• The head coach

These leaders then manage:

• Player signings and trades
• Draft strategy
• Coaching staff and playing style
• Long-term roster planning

For Atlanta fans, when you see the Hawks making a big trade, coaching change, or rebuild, it ultimately traces back to ownership’s vision, budget, and risk tolerance.

2. Investment in Facilities and Fan Experience

The Ressler-led group has been involved in decisions around:

• Upgrades and renovations to State Farm Arena
• Enhanced premium seating, fan zones, and concessions
• Technology in the arena (scoreboards, sound, lighting, Wi‑Fi)

This affects you if you:

• Attend games downtown
• Go to concerts or events at State Farm Arena
• Host corporate outings or group events there

A willing and engaged ownership group typically means more ongoing improvements to the building and game experience.

3. Ticket Pricing and Access

While day-to-day pricing is handled by team business operations, ownership sets:

• The overall revenue strategy (how much the team aims to earn from tickets, suites, and sponsorships)
• The balance between premium seating and more affordable options

If you live in Atlanta and want to:

• Buy season tickets
• Get group tickets for your office, school, or church
• Find family-friendly pricing sections

you are feeling the downstream effect of ownership’s financial philosophy and commitment to accessibility.

For information directly from the team, you can contact:

Atlanta Hawks Ticket Office
State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303
Customer service and ticket lines are generally available on standard business days and on event days.

How Hawks Ownership Connects to the Atlanta Community

Many Atlantans are interested not just in who owns the team, but in what they do for the city.

Community Programs and Local Partnerships

Under the current ownership group, the Hawks have been involved in:

• Youth basketball programs and clinics around metro Atlanta
• Partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and community centers
• Civic collaborations in neighborhoods across the city

These efforts typically focus on:

• Basketball skill development for kids
• Education and mentoring
• Community revitalization and event hosting

While exact initiatives can change over time, the general pattern has been a visible and active presence within Atlanta neighborhoods.

Economic and Downtown Impact

From an Atlanta-centered view, Hawks ownership influences:

• Jobs at State Farm Arena (game-day staff, operations, concessions)
• The level of investment in downtown as a sports and entertainment hub
• The attractiveness of the city for major events, including playoff games, All-Star activities, and concerts

If you live or work near downtown, Hawks home games and events can affect:

• Traffic patterns and MARTA ridership
• Business for nearby restaurants and bars
• The overall feel of downtown on event nights

These are all linked to ownership choices around event scheduling, marketing, and arena usage.

A Quick Ownership Snapshot for Atlanta Residents

Below is a simple overview to keep the essentials straight:

How Ownership Affects Your Experience as an Atlanta Fan

If you’re in Atlanta or visiting:

• 🏀 Game Quality & Roster Moves
  Ownership decides how aggressively the team pursues star players, how much they are willing to spend, and whether they commit to long-term competitive plans.

• 🎟️ Availability of Tickets
  Season plans, mini-plans, and single-game sales all operate within a pricing framework shaped by ownership’s revenue goals.

• 🎧 Arena Experience
  Music, lighting, entertainment, and upgrades often come from a larger arena strategy backed financially by the ownership group.

• 🏙️ Connection to the City
  When ownership invests in community initiatives, it can create more programs and events that Atlantans can join, whether or not they attend every game.

If You Want to Engage Directly with the Hawks in Atlanta

For locals and visitors looking to interact with the organization tied to ownership decisions, the main public-facing hub is:

Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

From there, you can:

• Ask about tickets, memberships, or group events
• Learn more about community programs or appearances
• Find schedules for games and special events tied to the team

In summary, the Atlanta Hawks are owned by a private investor group led by Tony Ressler, with notable partners like Grant Hill. Their decisions shape everything from the roster you see on the court to the experience you have at State Farm Arena and the impact the team has across Atlanta neighborhoods.