Why Is Mark Cuban Leaving Shark Tank? All About the Billionaire's Exit from the Reality Show After 14 Years

Published: Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10:00 pm

Mark Cuban Bids Farewell to Shark Tank After 16 Seasons

After 14 years of deals, pitches, and entrepreneurial dreams, business mogul Mark Cuban is stepping away from ABC's hit reality show, *Shark Tank*. Cuban, who joined the show as a guest in Season 2 and became a full-time "Shark" in Season 3, announced his departure after Season 16 during a November 2023 podcast appearance.

The reason for his exit? Family. Cuban, in a May 2024 interview with PEOPLE, revealed he wants to spend more time with his teenage and young adult children. The show's filming schedule, which often coincides with their summer breaks and back-to-school periods, made it difficult for him to be present. He emphasized that the decision wasn't about the show itself, which he enjoys, but the significant time commitment required to support the companies he invests in.

Cuban has invested in 85 companies on *Shark Tank*, with his largest investment being $2 million in Ten Thirty One Productions. While he admitted his investments were making a net loss on a cash basis, he noted that on a mark-to-market basis, his portfolio is "way up." Successful investments include Tower Paddle Boards, Nut's 'N More, Prep Expert, and The Bottom Line.

Following Cuban's departure, there will be no direct replacement. However, Daniel Lubetzky, founder of the Kind snack company, has been promoted to a permanent seat. Cuban has indicated that he is unlikely to return to reality TV, but he will continue to provide updates to the companies he has invested in. He is looking forward to spending more time on vacations with his children.

Keywords: Mark Cuban, Shark Tank, leaving, exit, season 16, investments, companies, family, children, Daniel Lubetzky, reality TV, entrepreneur, business, deals, investments, ABC, departure, why is Mark Cuban leaving, Mark Cuban leaving Shark Tank

Full Coverage