“Hawks” can mean birds or a sports team. This article is about the Atlanta Hawks, the NBA franchise: it began as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in 1949, took the shorter “Hawks” name after moving to Milwaukee, and has played in Atlanta since 1968. The original name honored Sauk leader Black Hawk—not a hawk species.
Why are they called the Atlanta Hawks?
The franchise began play in 1949 as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, representing Moline and Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. The “Blackhawks” name honored Sauk Tribal Chief Black Hawk. After the team moved to Milwaukee in 1951, it shortened its name to the Hawks. Cornell Lab of Ornithology recounts the naming history in its explanation of why the Atlanta Hawks are called the Hawks.
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The name’s history is distinct from bird biology: the franchise was not named for a local hawk species. The team later became the St. Louis Hawks before relocating to Atlanta in 1968.
Where do the Atlanta Hawks play?
The Hawks are based in Atlanta and play at State Farm Arena. The franchise’s Atlanta era began in 1968; its earlier stops were the Tri-Cities region, Milwaukee, and St. Louis. The NBA’s team information identifies Atlanta and State Farm Arena as the team’s city and home arena.
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Have the Hawks won an NBA championship?
Yes. The franchise won its NBA championship in 1958, when it was the St. Louis Hawks, rather than the Atlanta Hawks. The NBA team information records the title in the franchise’s history.
How did Atlanta’s 2025–26 season go?
In its September 22, 2026 preview of the 2026–27 season, the NBA reported that Atlanta finished the 2025–26 regular season 46–36, placed sixth in the Eastern Conference, and lost in the first round of the playoffs. Those are results for that completed season, not a live standings or roster update. The NBA’s 2026–27 Atlanta Hawks season preview provides that dated snapshot.
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Are there hawks in the Atlanta area?
Yes. The team’s name has a separate history, but several hawk species occur around Atlanta. Cornell Lab of Ornithology lists Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Cooper’s, Broad-winged, and Sharp-shinned Hawks in its Atlanta-area discussion. It reports, attributing the figures to eBird Status and Trends, that Red-shouldered Hawks occur year-round across 95% of Georgia. That is a statewide range figure, not the chance of seeing one at a particular spot.
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For a more local illustration, Cornell Lab reports that 2024 eBird checklists from the Panola Mountain area included Red-shouldered Hawks on 46% of checklists and Red-tailed Hawks on 37%. These are checklist occurrence figures, not shares of the hawk population or guaranteed sighting odds.
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Where can you find Atlanta Hawks merchandise?
The official Atlanta Hawks website lists jerseys and headwear in the Hawks Shop. Product selection and availability can change; the site’s merchandise navigation does not establish whether a particular item is in stock elsewhere.
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