Hawks CEO Steve Koonin is keeping his promise to pay for - and host - the wedding of Ben McCleskey and Avery Armstrong, a couple who started dating after the NBA team's first "Swipe Right Night" in 2015.

Last March, The AJC connected with Ben, Avery, and Koonin at “Swipe Right Night 2.0” after the couple was selected to sit in Harry's Love Nest. That’s when Koonin made the promise to the couple who already had one thing in common: a love for the Atlanta Hawks.

The couple were acquaintances when the Hawks hosted its first Tinder night in January 2015, but decided to meet face-to-face at the Tinder Night. The Shorter University college students have been together ever since. They both enjoy going to Hawks games and returned to a game together for "Swipe Right Night 2.0" 

And When Koonin heard the couple was still going strong, he told them if they get married, the Hawks would be happy to host the wedding.

“My treat,” he said.

Response from Koonin:

No word yet on date and venue. 

Here is video from the Tinder night:

Hawks Tinder Night Helena

About the Author

Keep Reading

Comedian D.L. Hughley, pictured at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 2024, said he enjoys coming to Atlanta because he's able to see his grandchildren, eat good food and have a good time.  (Paul Sancya/AP 2024)

Credit: AP

Featured

Donald Trump's administration deployed the military to Washington, D.C., in the name of fighting crime, and in an Aug. 11 news conference he mentioned the possibility of military being sent to other large American cities, all of which are led by Black, Democratic mayors. And while Atlanta wasn't included in Trump's list, the city fits that profile under Mayor Andre Dickens. (Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty)

Credit: Philip Robibero