The Atlanta Hawks just gave their fans exactly what they’ve been asking for. The team’s MLK City Edition uniforms are coming back for the 2026-27 season.
The Hawks dropped the news in a quick video this week with a simple message: “You asked, we listened.”
And honestly? Fans have been pretty vocal about wanting these jerseys back. They honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the city that shaped his incredible legacy.
The timing of the announcement wasn’t random either. It came during the Hawks’ Martin Luther King Jr. Day game coverage, where they also hosted the Milwaukee Bucks.
These uniforms have become something special – an annual tradition that means a lot to both players and fans.
What Makes These Jerseys Special
The Hawks first brought out their MLK Nike City Edition jerseys back in the 2020-21 season. The whole idea was to honor Dr. King’s message of equality and unity.
The design itself is packed with meaning. It features symbolic elements tied to Dr. King and Atlanta’s rich cultural history.
The team didn’t stop at just the jerseys either. They created a matching MLK City Edition court to go with them, turning the whole thing into a full tribute.
Players have talked about how different it feels to wear these uniforms. Former Hawks forward John Collins said the design gave the team extra motivation and connected them even more deeply to Atlanta’s community.
Last season, the Hawks wore their Peachtree City Edition jerseys instead. But fans never stopped asking for the MLK look to come back.
MLK JERSEYS ARE BACK.
Coming January 2027.
– Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks)
The Story Behind City Edition Jerseys
If you’re wondering what City Edition uniforms are all about – they’re Nike’s way of letting NBA teams celebrate their home cities.
These alternate jerseys are designed to reflect local identity and history. Each team gets creative freedom to connect with their fans and community in a really meaningful way.
For Atlanta, that’s a pretty big opportunity. The city has so many rich themes to draw from.
This season’s Peachtree City Edition paid tribute to the iconic streets that define Atlanta. It’s the heart of the city, right there on a jersey.
But bringing back the MLK design? That shows the franchise is really listening to what fans care about.
Fans Are Here For It
Social media lit up with positive reactions after the announcement. Hawks supporters have been making it clear – these aren’t just regular uniforms to them.
They see them as a statement. A way to show respect for Dr. King’s ideals and everything Atlanta represents.
One fan put it simply: these jerseys mean something.
The 2026-27 season is still a ways off, but it’ll give Hawks players and fans another chance to celebrate a look that blends basketball with a powerful message. That’s something worth the the wait.
