Entrepreneur Mark Cuban has disclosed his intention to exit the popular TV show "Shark Tank" after one more season of filming. Since 2011, Cuban has been a permanent investor, or "shark," on ABC's "Shark Tank," evaluating pitches from small business owners seeking investment in their ventures.
In a recent interview on Showtime Basketball's "All The Smoke" podcast, hosted by former NBA players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, Cuban announced his decision to conclude his run on the show after its 16th year. He expressed that it was time for him to move on.
This decision coincides with reports of Cuban negotiating to sell a majority share of the Dallas Mavericks to casino mogul Miriam Adelson. As per The Dallas Morning News, Cuban would retain full control of the basketball operations, but it remains unclear if this impending sale factored into his choice to depart from "Shark Tank."
Throughout his tenure on the show, Cuban has invested in numerous companies, such as BeatBox Beverages and DudeWipes, which he noted are performing well. The 65-year-old billionaire emphasized his appreciation for how the show supports ordinary individuals in launching their business endeavors, inspiring audiences and reinforcing the notion that the "American dream" persists.
Reflecting on his experience on "Shark Tank," Cuban highlighted the show's impact on fostering entrepreneurship among multiple generations. He expressed optimism that aspiring entrepreneurs from various places could showcase their businesses on the platform and secure deals, serving as inspiration for youngsters.
While Cuban admitted that his "Shark Tank" investments have generally been successful, he mentioned a slight downturn in cash terms but a significant increase in mark-to-market valuation, which assesses a company's current fair value.
Cuban shares the "Shark Tank" panel with fellow investors Robert Herjavec, Kevin O'Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, and Lori Greiner.