Mark Cuban has revealed his exit from Shark Tank (Picture: ABC)
Mark Cuban has announced his plans to leave Shark Tank after season 16, admitting that it’s ‘time’.
The businessman joined the ABC series as a full time Shark in the third series, in 2012, having popped up as a guest in previous episodes.
However, during an appearance on the All the Smoke podcast, the 65-year-old confirmed he will be bowing out soon.
‘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 officially joined the fold in 2012 ahead of season three, alongside Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec and Kevin O’Leary.
Lori Greiner appeared as a guest in that series, before being announced as a new Shark the following year – with the lineup remaining the same ever since.
Mark officially joined the show in 2012 in season 3 (Picture: EPA)
Since then, he has had more than a few wins, taking a chance on Tower Paddle Boards, Nuts ‘N More, Simple Sugars and Beatbox Beverages among many, many more.
Speaking to Matt and Stephen, he opened up on what he looks for in pitches, and how he decides 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 devastated by Mark’s exit and flocked to Twitter to discuss the news.
‘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 candidly about his decision to leave Shark Tank, his exit has yet to be confirmed by ABC.
Shark Tank airs on Fridays at 8pm ET.
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‘It’s time.’