Atlanta Hawks Parody Ashley Madison in Ad Campaign

In recent weeks you may have heard about the hack on the affair-assisting website Ashley Madison.  

The hack exposed names of people that had signed up for an account, apparently looking to have an extramarital affair. It kind of ruined a lot of people’s lives.

Not the type of thing that you’d want to reference in your sports team’s marketing campaign, right?

Wrong.

The real Ashley Madison wants you to start a new love affair with us: https://t.co/ojovM50l2a pic.twitter.com/oDRwikItjP

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) September 18, 2015

The Atlanta Hawks have hired three real people, Georgians named Ashley Madison to help promote their new 10-game flex ticket plans.

The press release surrounding the marketing encourages fans to “start a new love affair with the team.”

Check out the first parody video below:

This might be one of the most unconventional marketing ideas out there—but you can’t argue that the idea is provocative. Some people will find it offensive, some will find it tacky, some will find it irreverent and funny. And the Hawks have shown they’re not afraid to go there. Last season the team held a Tinder-themed “Swipe Right Night." 

It's going down, we're yelling...swipe riiiiiiiiight! Tickets: https://t.co/Y3WapEohHu pic.twitter.com/e8EWjYE3QZ

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 5, 2015

The Hawks approach is a unique way to capitalize on current events. The sheer weirdness of the campaign is sure to earn the organization some attention, and it’s a matter of time before the videos go viral.

We’re sure to see more of the Ashley Madison jokes coming from the Hawks, as there are two more Ashley Madisons, one male and one female, yet to make an appearance in the campaign.

What weirdness will we see from the Hawks next?