Mark Cuban’s Shark Tank Journey Comes to an End

It looks like the ending of Mark Cuban’s “Shark Tank” chapter is officially on the horizon.

The Dallas Mavericks minority owner is set to conclude his 14-year stint on the popular ABC show this Friday. Alongside this, he’s reportedly collaborating with sports insiders to make investments in major American sports franchises.

Cuban is part of a group that includes Steve Cannon, the former CEO associated with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, and Lashaun Williams, a venture capitalist involved with the Falcons. They’ve recently initiated a $750 million private equity fund aimed at making smaller investments in professional sports teams across the U.S., as covered by Bloomberg.

The Harbinger Sports Partners Fund intends to acquire about 5% equity stakes in various teams. They’ve stated they will make investments ranging from $50 million to $150 million in each deal, with plans to exit those positions within a timeframe of seven to ten years.

This investment group is focused on opportunities in the NBA, NFL, and MLB.

This news broke just a day before the season 16 finale of “Shark Tank,” marking Cuban’s final appearance on the show.

In a preview for the last episode, the show highlighted Cuban’s “Heartfelt Farewell” alongside fellow sharks Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, and Daymond John. “I love you guys like I’m family,” Cuban expressed in the video.

The billionaire entrepreneur has indicated his decision to leave the series is primarily to spend more time with his teenagers during the summers. “It has nothing to do with the show. I love it,” he stated in an interview. “I love how it motivates entrepreneurs around the globe.”

Since joining the show in 2011, Cuban has been a prominent “shark,” known for backing a range of entrepreneurial pitches. His final episode will air on ABC at 8 PM this Friday.