Mark Cuban bids adieu to Shark Tank after 14 years; fellow sharks give an emotional tribute

Time of India

19-05-2025

Mark Cuban
's stint on
Shark Tank
has finally ended.
On Friday, May 16, the 66-year-old wealthy businessman signed his final contract (with a luxury deviled egg firm!) after 14 years on the long-running show. At the end of the milestone episode, Cuban reflected on his impact on
entrepreneurship
over the previous 15 seasons.
"I remember thinking, 'This concert will not last. "Just go there, tear it up, raise Hell, and cause trouble," he admitted. "I wasn't expecting a third season, and then, boom. "It just exploded."
Ironically, Cuban joined the ABC hit's main ensemble in season 3 after making multiple guest appearances the previous year.
"I think I just brought a little bit of an edge, where I tried to make it not so much about an academic investment show, but more a show that is about people trying to reach their goals, trying to have their dreams come true," he told me about his accomplishment.
"I have been in their shoes. I've been broke and have been sleeping on the floor. I can put myself in the shoes of almost everyone standing on the carpet.
Some of the entrepreneurs Cuban invested in returned at the end to thank him for his help.
"Our lives have completely changed since getting a deal with Mark," stated the creators of
BeatBox Beverages
, which signed a deal with Cuban in season 6. "We're over $350 million in lifetime sales."
The faces of
Dude Wipes
announced that they have sold over half a billion dollars since their pitch in season 7.
"We're so grateful to Mark and to Shark Tank for where we are today," said one of them.
"What I'd like to say is, thanks to everybody who took a chance on me, all the entrepreneurs who said yes to me," Cuban explained a moment later. "Who knows how many millionaires and their employees we've produced, or how many people we've inspired? I'm proud of what we've accomplished.
Mark's fellow Sharks wrapped the season 16 finale with an emotional toast to Cuban.
"Mark, having you leave is really like having a big brother leave the house," Barbara Corcoran said, followed by Lori Greiner: "You're a warrior, you're a humanitarian, you're just an all-around great, great person." And I adore, respect, and love you.
Robert Herjavec stated that he has "learnt a lot" from his time working with Cuban, while Daymond John stated that he "changed the world."
Kevin O'Leary, moved to tears, went on to commend Cuban for the impression he left on everyone who knows or admires him.
"I'm so proud of what we've all built together," he told me. "We've become global ambassadors for the American Dream. So much of it is due to you. We do not always agree. We do not. And sometimes you have learnt a lot from me!"
"You guys are amazing," Cuban responded. "I mean, I've learnt so much from everyone of you. We've made such an impact. And to Shark Tank, to all who have supported and loved us, I adore you all like family. "Thank you."
In the last moments, Cuban made one final remark. 'This show changed me. I think I changed the show. And I think we all together as Sharks changed America.'