After 14 groundbreaking years on Shark Tank, billionaire investor Mark Cuban officially closed his final deal on the popular ABC reality show. The Season 16 finale marked Cuban’s heartfelt farewell, as he reflected on his journey as one of the most influential investors and mentors on the hit series.
Mark Cuban joined Shark Tank as a guest shark during Season 2 in 2011, never imagining the show’s massive success. “I remember literally thinking, ‘This show is not gonna last. Just go on there, just tear it up, raise hell, cause trouble,’” Cuban revealed in the emotional final episode. “I really didn’t expect there to be a third season, and then, boom. It just blew up.”
Known for bringing a fresh edge to the Shark Tank investment panel, Cuban said his focus was never just on the money but on the dreams and ambitions of entrepreneurs. “I tried to make it not so much about an academic investment show, but more a show about people trying to reach their goals, trying to have their dreams come true,” he said. “I’ve been in their shoes. I’ve been broke, I’ve been sleeping on the floor. I can put myself in the shoes of pretty much anybody who’s standing on the carpet.”
Throughout his time on Shark Tank, Cuban invested in countless startups, mentoring entrepreneurs and helping launch successful businesses. Many of the entrepreneurs he backed returned to the finale to express gratitude, while Cuban thanked “everybody who took a chance on me, all the entrepreneurs who said yes to me.”
Cuban proudly reflected on the lasting impact of his investments: “Who knows how many millionaires we’ve created, and their employees, how many people we’ve inspired? I’m proud of what we’ve done.”
Before Cuban’s departure, his fellow Sharks paid tribute to his contributions to the show. Cuban responded warmly, “You guys are amazing. I mean, I’ve learned so much from all of you. We’ve had such an impact. And to Shark Tank, to the people who supported us, to the people who love us, I love you guys like family. Thank you.”
Closing his chapter on Shark Tank, Cuban said, “This show changed me. I think I changed the show. And I think we all together as Sharks changed America.”
