Beloved TV icon departs programme after 11-year run, leaving devoted fans reeling and expressing feelings of profound dismay
Mark Cuban has declared his intention to depart from Shark Tank following the conclusion of season 16, acknowledging that the moment has arrived for him to move on.
The entrepreneur became a permanent member of the ABC series during its third season in 2012 after making guest appearances in prior episodes.
However, in an appearance on the All the Smoke podcast, the 65-year-old confirmed his imminent departure.
“This is our 15th year,” he told hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. “Next year, our 16th year, is going to be my last year. So I’ve got one more year to go.
“It’s time.”
Explaining what kept him on our screens for so long, he continued: “I love it because it sends the message that the American dream is alive and well.”
“In all these years of being on Shark Tank, I believe we’ve educated numerous batches of entrepreneurs. The idea that someone from Iowa or Sacramento, or any corner of the country, can come onto Shark Tank, present their business, and secure a deal, is incredibly motivating for future generations,” he remarked.
“I’ve put my money into countless companies,” he added.
Mark officially joined the team in 2012, just before season three began, joining Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin O’Leary.
Lori Greiner made a guest appearance in that series before being introduced as a new Shark the following year. The lineup has remained unchanged ever since.
Since then, he’s notched up several successes, taking risks with Tower Paddle Boards, Nuts ‘N More, Simple Sugars, and Beatbox Beverages, among many others.
When speaking with Matt and Stephen, he shared insights into what catches his attention in pitches and how he determines whom to back.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, he emphasised, “I simply listen to them; it’s discernible. Body language holds weight because the harder they push to sell, the weaker the deal.
“When someone enters Shark Tank, you can sense if they’re trying too hard. I follow this principle: The lengthier the backstory, the poorer the deal. In essence, as soon as you start recounting how tough it was for you… it’s tough for every single entrepreneur.
“I don’t need your backstory. Tell me about your business, explain why you’ll succeed. Share what sets you apart.”
“I seek ideas that make me think, ‘Wow, why didn’t I come up with that?'”
Mark’s departure left fans dismayed, sparking discussions on Twitter.
“I don’t know how they’ll manage the show without Mark smh #SharkTank [sic],” one critic lamented.
“Oh, I’m so disheartened to hear this. I adore having him on Shark Tank. Darn…,” another sympathised.
“Mark Cuban’s departure from Shark Tank had a surprisingly strong impact on one viewer,” shared a Twitter user, expressing, “MARK CUBAN IS LEAVING SHARK TANK IM GONNA PASS OUT.”
Another commenter speculated, “Pat Sajak retiring, Mark Cuban leaving Shark Tank. The end is truly near.”
Despite Mark Cuban openly discussing his choice to depart from Shark Tank, ABC has not officially confirmed his exit.
Shark Tank airs on Fridays at 8pm ET.
