The highly anticipated finale of Shark Tank season 16 aired on May 16, 2025, marking a significant milestone as it bid farewell to Mark Cuban, a key investor who had been a fixture on the ABC business reality series for 16 years. As Cuban officially exited the show, he left behind a rich legacy filled with noteworthy investments and unforgettable moments. Prior to the finale, he took to X to share an emotional farewell message with fans:
“My last @ABCSharkTank is this Friday. Gonna miss it. But it was time to move on. Make sure to watch!”
Mark Cuban initially graced the show as a guest during season 2 before permanently joining as a shark in season 3. Over the course of his tenure, he made investments in more than 85 companies, leaving an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape.
Mark Cuban Reflects on His Transformation in the Shark Tank Finale
During the finale, Cuban looked back on his transformative journey with a sense of gratitude. He remarked:
“This show changed me. I think I changed the show, and I think we all together, as sharks, changed America.”
This poignant moment featured clips showcasing previous memorable pitches, spotlighting products such as Dude Wipes and Simple Sugars. In his final investment decision, Cuban partnered with Barbara Corcoran to secure a joint $250,000 deal for a 20% stake in Deviled Egg Co., a gourmet egg-focused startup. Reflecting on the show’s rapid success, Cuban candidly shared:
“I remember literally thinking, ‘This show is not going to last.’ I really didn’t expect there to be a third season, and then boom, it just blew up.”
Cuban’s journey has been deeply personal. He empathized with aspiring entrepreneurs, recalling his own challenging beginnings when he was broke and even had to sleep on the floor. His ability to connect with the dreams and struggles of budding entrepreneurs made him a relatable figure. He expressed gratitude to those who believed in him, acknowledging their collective role in creating countless millionaires through the platform.
Heartfelt Farewells from Fellow Sharks
Mark Cuban’s departure did not go unnoticed by his fellow mentors on Shark Tank. Emotional tributes poured in from panelists Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and Robert Herjavec.
“I’ve learned a lot, real pleasure to have you here, we’re going to miss you,”
shared Herjavec. Corcoran echoed these sentiments, saying:
“Mark, having you leave is really like having a big brother leave the house.”
Greiner added, “You’re a warrior, you’re a humanitarian… I admire and respect you and love you.” Daymond John praised him as someone who “continues to change the world,” while O’Leary, with tears welling in his eyes, stated, “We don’t always agree. But I’m so proud of what we’ve built.”
In response, Cuban warmly acknowledged his fellow sharks, stressing the invaluable lessons he gained from them and the positive impact they collectively made. He raised a final toast as the episode drew to a close, symbolizing the end of a remarkable era in Shark Tank history.
Moreover, Cuban confirmed that his departure from the show was a step towards prioritizing his family. In an earlier conversation with TheWrap in October 2024, he expressed a desire to spend more time with his children, admitting he was weary of missing important moments in their lives due to filming commitments.
Catch the latest episodes of Shark Tank currently available for streaming on ABC.