Mark Cuban Bids an Emotional Farewell to Shark Tank

After 15 seasons of bold deals, heated debates, and unforgettable pitches, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has officially said goodbye to Shark Tank. The May 16 episode marked his final appearance on the Emmy-winning ABC show, and it wasn’t short on emotion, gratitude, or a few classic jabs between sharks.

Cuban’s Last Dive: “I Love You Guys Like Family”

Sitting alongside longtime co-investors Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O’Leary, Cuban raised a heartfelt toast.

“I’ve learned so much from all of you,” Cuban said, visibly moved. “To Shark Tank, to the people who supported us, and to the people who love us—I love you guys like family.”

The 66-year-old tech titan and former Dallas Mavericks majority owner cited “family reasons” for stepping away from the show that helped redefine the startup culture on television. His departure marks the end of an era—Cuban was instrumental in transforming Shark Tank from a niche reality show into a global platform for entrepreneurial dreams.

What the Sharks Said About Mark Cuban

Each shark took a moment to toast Cuban during the episode’s farewell segment—and the love was real.

Barbara Corcoran, whom Cuban has publicly called the shark he most admires, got emotional: “Mark, having you leave is really like having a big brother leave the house.”

Mark Cuban

Daymond John praised Cuban’s larger-than-life impact: “He continues to change the world, and I love you, man.” Cuban responded warmly: “I love you, too.” Then came Kevin O’Leary, “Mr. Wonderful” himself, known for his no-nonsense critiques and on-screen sparring with Cuban. His toast was predictably witty: “I’m so proud of what we’ve all built together. We’ve become ambassadors of the American Dream around the world—and so much of it is because of you… Of course, we don’t always agree. And sometimes, you learned a lot from me.”

Cue the laughter. Offscreen, Cuban told with a smirk: “Kevin may be confused about business often, but he has a big heart and does care about his entrepreneurs.”

Why Mark Cuban Mattered on Shark Tank

What made Cuban stand out wasn’t just his fortune or his fame—it was his authenticity. In a retrospective montage aired during his final episode, Cuban reflected on his journey from nothing to billionaire status:

“I’ve been in their shoes. I’ve been broke. I’ve been sleeping on the floor.”

That relatability made him the shark many hopefuls were most eager to pitch to. Cuban was known for jumping into deals that others shied away from, often siding with underdogs or founders who just needed someone to believe in them.

And let’s not forget the edge—he was never afraid to go toe-to-toe with O’Leary or throw down a bold offer that stunned everyone on set.

The End of an Era

With Cuban’s exit, Shark Tank loses not just a high-profile investor, but a cornerstone of the show’s spirit. While fans will surely miss his fiery passion and heartfelt advice, Cuban leaves behind a legacy that helped define what it means to chase the American Dream.

As the sharks toasted him off the set one last time, it wasn’t just the end of an episode—it was the closing chapter of a cultural phenomenon that he helped write.

And who knows? Maybe the door isn’t fully closed. But for now, the tank feels a little less full.

Want a recap of the most legendary Shark Tank moments or Mark Cuban’s best deals of all time? Let me know—I’ll dive in.