Back in season 3 of Shark Tank, Mark Cuban officially joined the investor lineup, ready to help hopeful entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality. Over the years, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks has made several comments about exploring opportunities beyond the show. But let’s take a closer look at how it all began and where things stand now.
How Mark Cuban Became Part of Shark Tank
Mark Cuban's story on Shark Tank started way back in 2011 when he made a guest appearance on the show. His charm and sharp wit quickly made him a fan favorite, leading to an invitation to join the regular cast the following year. Since then, Mark has invested in some truly successful ventures, like Brightwheel, Dude Wipes, and BeatBox. These businesses have thrived under his guidance, proving his knack for spotting potential. It's clear that Mark has left an indelible mark on the show, but even the best of us have to consider the next chapter in life, right?
Despite all his incredible achievements on Shark Tank, Mark has occasionally hinted at the possibility of stepping away from the show. In September 2022, he let slip that his time as a shark might be coming to an end. He wanted to focus more on his public benefit corporation, Cost Plus Drugs. Speaking candidly to Forbes, he admitted, “Part of me wants to quit. They’ll survive just fine without me.”
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Now, when Mark made those comments, it certainly sent shockwaves through the Shark Tank fanbase. But don’t worry, folks, because he reassured everyone that he would indeed return for another season.
“I told them I’m coming back at least for next year,” Mark, who has three kids—Alexis, Alyssa, and Jake—with his wife Tiffany Stewart, revealed in an email to the Dallas Observer in December 2022. He explained that scheduling was the main issue. With a daughter in college, finding time for her was crucial. Thankfully, the show adjusted its shooting schedule from July to June, which worked out perfectly for everyone.
Season 15 of Shark Tank kicked off on September 29, 2023, with Mark back on the panel alongside Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary, and Lori Greiner. But just two months later, Mark once again surprised everyone by talking about his future on the show.
Will Mark Cuban Be Back for Season 16 of Shark Tank?
In November 2023, Mark confirmed that he would be stepping away from Shark Tank after season 16. During an appearance on the “All the Smoke” podcast, he said, “It’s time.” He expressed his love for the show, emphasizing that it sends a powerful message that the American dream is alive and thriving.
“I feel like in doing Shark Tank all these years, we’ve trained multiple generations of entrepreneurs,” Mark reflected. “If someone can come from Iowa or Sacramento, or wherever, and show up on the carpet of Shark Tank and get a deal, it inspires generations of kids. That’s what happens, right? Now we’ve got people coming on saying they watched us when they were 10 years old. I’m like, wow! But we’re helping them, right? I’ve invested in hundreds of companies. On a cash basis, I’m down a little bit, but on a mark-to-market basis, the companies are still in operation. I’m way up.”
Why Mark Cuban is Leaving Shark Tank
As season 16 premiered on October 18, 2024, Mark opened up about his plans for the future after leaving Shark Tank.
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“I’m getting asked that a lot now that people know that I’m leaving — I doubt it,” he told TheWrap when asked if he would ever return to TV in the future.
“I’m leaving just to spend more time with my kids—they’re teenagers now. When they were younger, my wife and I could tell them where to be and when; now they ain’t listening to us,” Mark explained. “We shoot in June and September, and just getting the opportunity now when they’re getting out of school to be able to spend time directly with them, that’s important. I’m tired of missing that.”
Mark looked back fondly on his time on the show and the message it has conveyed to viewers.
“Just the message it sent to all the viewers of the United States of America, that the American dream is alive and well,” the proud father of three shared. “You can watch somebody that came on to that carpet that’s from Idaho, from New York, from L.A., doesn’t matter where. Started with nothing, came from nothing, dropped out of high school and was standing there trying to become a millionaire, and doing it. If they can do it, anybody watching can do it. And being able to send that message was always the most special part of Shark Tank to me.”
