Mark Cuban, the well-known entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, recently announced that he will be leaving the hit ABC show “Shark Tank” after filming one final season. Cuban, who has been a permanent investor, or "shark," on the show since 2011, made the revelation during an appearance on Showtime Basketball's "All The Smoke" podcast, hosted by former NBA players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes.
Cuban explained that after 15 years on the show, he feels that it is time for him to move on. He expressed his love for the show and how it has helped inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing the "American dream." Throughout his time on "Shark Tank," Cuban has invested in numerous companies, including BeatBox Beverages and DudeWipes, both of which he says have been performing well.
The 65-year-old billionaire believes that the show has not only trained a generation of entrepreneurs but has also served as a source of inspiration for viewers. He emphasized the importance of showcasing that anyone, regardless of their background, can appear on the show and secure a deal, inspiring generations of kids to pursue their dreams.
While most of Cuban's investments on the show have been successful, he acknowledged that they are currently facing some challenges on a cash basis. However, he remains optimistic, stating that they are "way up" on a mark-to-market basis, which measures the current fair value of a company.
Cuban stars on “Shark Tank” alongside other notable investors such as Robert Herjavec, Kevin O'Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, and Lori Greiner. The show, which first aired in 2009, has become a popular platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas and secure investments from the "sharks."
ABC has not yet confirmed Cuban's departure from the show. The network, as well as Cuban himself, have not responded to requests for comment regarding this matter. However, Cuban's announcement has left many fans disappointed, with some expressing their admiration for his marketing and strategic skills on the show.
This is not the first time that Cuban has hinted at the possibility of leaving "Shark Tank." Last year, he mentioned in an interview that he was committed to returning for the upcoming 15th season but remained uncertain about his future involvement beyond that point. In his previous statement, Cuban cited his desire to spend more time with his family, especially now that his daughter is in college.
As the news of Cuban's departure spreads, fans are already speculating about how his final episode should be. Some suggest that it should end with his iconic catchphrase, "and for those reasons, I'm out," followed by him walking away. Regardless of the circumstances, it is clear that Cuban's presence on “Shark Tank” will be missed by both viewers and fellow investors alike.
