Mark Cuban Is Leaving ‘Shark Tank’
After more than a decade of investing in dreams, changing lives, and shaping the future of entrepreneurship on television, Mark Cuban is officially saying goodbye to Shark Tank. The billionaire entrepreneur and beloved Shark has announced that Season 16 will be his final one on the show, marking the end of a transformative 15-season journey that helped redefine what it means to be an investor — and an inspiration.
The Season 16 finale, airing Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, promises to be a heartfelt sendoff. Cuban’s fellow Sharks — Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary, and Lori Greiner — gather to honor his legacy, sharing laughs, memories, and even a few tears. Over the years, Cuban has brought more than just capital to the Tank. He’s brought heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to lifting up entrepreneurs from all walks of life.
“You were never just a Shark — you were the soul of this show,” Barbara Corcoran says during the finale. “The way you believed in people, it changed everything.” Daymond John adds, “You taught us to take risks on the person, not just the product. That’s a lesson that will stick with me forever.” Even Kevin O’Leary, known for his cold, hard “Mr. Wonderful” persona, takes a moment to reflect: “Mark challenged me every step of the way. And I loved every minute of it.”
Who Is Mark Cuban?
Mark Cuban is a self-made billionaire, visionary investor, and media personality who became a household name through his business acumen and bold personality. He first rose to prominence in the late 1990s after selling his tech startup Broadcast.com to Yahoo! for $5.7 billion during the dot-com boom. Since then, he’s built an empire spanning sports, entertainment, tech, and healthcare.
Cuban is perhaps best known outside the Tank as the outspoken owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, a team he bought in 2000. Under his leadership, the Mavericks became one of the league’s most innovative franchises, winning the NBA Championship in 2011. But his influence goes far beyond the basketball court. Cuban has become a powerful voice in business and policy circles, advocating for lower drug prices, AI innovation, and more equitable opportunities for small business owners.
When he joined Shark Tank in Season 2, Cuban quickly became a fan favorite. His sharp instincts, competitive spirit, and genuine passion for entrepreneurship set him apart. Over the years, he’s invested millions in hundreds of startups, from scrappy garage inventors to tech pioneers with billion-dollar potential. Cuban was particularly known for championing underrepresented founders, and for cutting deals based on mission and values, not just profit.
Leaving the Tank — But Not the Game
Cuban revealed late last year that Season 16 would be his last. “It’s time to spend more time with my family and focus on what’s next,” he said in an interview. “But this show has meant the world to me.” Fans and fellow Sharks alike were stunned by the announcement, but they’ve also celebrated Cuban’s immense impact.
From dramatic pitch-room negotiations to emotional breakthroughs with entrepreneurs who just needed someone to believe in them, Cuban’s presence on Shark Tank helped define the show. He made viewers see entrepreneurship as accessible — not just for Silicon Valley insiders, but for anyone with a dream and the hustle to back it up.
While he may be leaving Shark Tank, Cuban’s legacy is far from finished. He continues to back ventures in healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, and social impact investing. His generic drug company, Cost Plus Drugs, is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry by offering medications at radically lower prices — one of many projects he’s leading in his post-Tank chapter.
What’s Next for ‘Shark Tank’?
As the Tank enters a new era, questions swirl about who might take Cuban’s seat. ABC has not yet announced a permanent replacement, but the show is expected to continue bringing in a rotating lineup of guest Sharks, as it has in past seasons.
Still, there’s no denying that Shark Tank will feel different without Cuban. His ability to challenge the status quo and advocate for transformative ideas has left an indelible mark on the show — and on viewers across the country.
Don’t miss the farewell celebration in the Shark Tank Season 16 finale, airing Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Episodes stream the next day on Hulu.
As Mark Cuban exits the Tank, one thing is clear: he may be done making deals on TV, but he’s not done making a difference.
