Mark Cuban has declared his intention to depart Shark Tank at the end of season 16, stating that it is ‘time’.
After appearing as a guest in earlier episodes, the businessman joined the ABC series as a full-time Shark in the third series, in 2012.
However, the 65-year-old declared his retirement during an interview on the All the Smoke podcast.
‘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.’
Shedding light on 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.
‘I feel like in doing Shark Tank all these years, we’ve trained multiple generations of entrepreneurs that if somebody can come from Iowa or Sacramento or wherever, and show up on the carpet, on Shark Tank and show their business and get a deal, that’s going to inspire generations of kids,” he continued.
‘I’ve invested in, I don’t know how many hundreds of companies.’
Mark joined the cast in 2012, just in time for season three, with Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin O’Leary.
Lori Greiner featured as a visitor in that series before being named a new Shark the following year and the roster has been the same ever since.
Since then, he has won several times, betting on Tower Paddle Boards, Nuts ‘N More, Simple Sugars, and Beatbox Beverages, among many others.
In an interview with Matt and Stephen, he discussed what he looks for in pitches and how he picks who to take a chance on.
For any budding entrepreneurs, he insisted: ‘I just listen to them, you can just tell. Body language matters because, the harder they have to try to sell, the worse the deal.
‘When someone walks in on Shark Tank, you can tell if they’re trying too hard. I have this rule: The longer the backstory, the worse the deal. Meaning, the minute you start telling me how hard it was for you… it’s hard for every mother**king entrepreneur.
‘I don’t need to hear your backstory. Tell me about your business, tell me why you are going to be successful. Tell me what’s different about it, how you stand out.’
‘I look for ideas where it’s like, “Damn, why didn’t I think of that?”’
Fans were upset at Mark’s departure and took to Twitter to express their feelings.
‘I don’t know how they going to be able to carry the show without Mark smh #SharkTank [sic],’ one fumed.
‘Oh, I’m so bummed to hear this. I love having him on Shark Tank. Damn…,’ another agreed.
‘Mark Cuban leaving Shark Tank hit me harder than it should’ve,’ a viewer shared.
A Twitter user yelled: ‘MARK CUBAN IS LEAVING SHARK TANK IM GONNA PASS OUT.’
As a commenter predicted: ‘Pat Sajak retiring, Mark Cuban leaving Shark Tank. The end is truly near.’
Although Mark spoke frankly about his intention to quit Shark Tank, ABC has yet to confirm his departure.
Shark Tank airs on Fridays at 8pm ET.
