Mark Cuban Reveals His Favourite Shark on the Show and Why

Mark Cuban, a well-known billionaire in the business world and a longtime Shark Tank investor, recently revealed his favorite Shark on the show. In an interview on “This Past Weekend” with Theo Von in 2024, Cuban opened up about his thoughts on his fellow Sharks, ranking their strengths and revealing why one, in particular, stands out to him.

So, who did Cuban name as his favorite Shark? It’s none other than Barbara Corcoran and he was humble enough to tell why she is her first pick as well. Also, Cuban’s candid breakdown of all the Sharks offers a rare insight into the dynamics behind the scenes of Shark Tank and the different investment styles each brings to the table.

Barbara Corcoran: The Shark with a Sixth Sense

Cuban didn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite Shark.

“Barbara is probably my favorite simply because she can tell what a person’s about,”

he said. “She’ll just say to somebody, ‘You’re lying’ or ‘You’re dishonest. I don’t trust you,’ and she’ll be right”.

According to Cuban, Barbara’s ability to read people is unmatched. While she might not be the best at math—Cuban jokingly mentioned that he has to help her with multiplication—her instincts make her an invaluable Shark. Her people skills, Cuban suggests, are what set her apart from the rest of the panel.

Barbara Corcoran: The Shark with a Sixth Sense — *Image: people*

Barbara has often been seen on Shark Tank making quick, gut-based decisions that either lead to massive wins or bold rejections. While some investors lean on spreadsheets and market trends, she focuses on the entrepreneur and their drive, making her investment strategy different from the other Sharks.

Kevin O’Leary: “Bad Guy of the Group”

Cuban also shared his thoughts on Kevin O’Leary, the self-proclaimed “Mr. Wonderful.” According to Cuban, “Kevin’s Kevin—he’s kind of the bad guy of the group”.

O’Leary has long embraced his reputation as the show’s toughest Shark, known for offering brutal honesty and strict financial terms. His approach is starkly different from Barbara’s people-first style, as he focuses heavily on numbers, equity, and royalties.

While Cuban acknowledged O’Leary’s role as the “bad guy,” he also recognized that O’Leary plays a necessary part in the show’s balance—bringing in a more cutthroat perspective to business.

Robert Herjavec: The Gentle Investor

When talking about Robert Herjavec, Cuban pointed out his softer side, saying, “Robert, you know, is into pets and kids and stuff like that”.

Herjavec has often been seen as one of the more compassionate Sharks, frequently investing in products that align with his personal interests or values. His success in cybersecurity and his affable nature have made him a fan favorite, but Cuban’s comment highlights that he tends to be drawn toward heartwarming stories rather than just cold, hard business opportunities.

Lori Greiner: The Queen of Retail

For Lori Greiner, Cuban highlighted her specialty in consumer goods, saying, “Lori is in consumer products”.

Greiner, often referred to as the “Queen of QVC,” has a sharp eye for products that will perform well in direct-to-consumer sales, particularly those that can be marketed through infomercials and online shopping platforms.

Her success with past Shark Tank products, such as Scrub Daddy and Simply Fit Board, has made her one of the most lucrative Sharks when it comes to retail-focused investments.

Daymond John: “The People’s Shark”

Cuban had a straightforward description for Daymond John: “Damon is the people’s Shark. He’s trying to help smaller businesses grow”.

John, the founder of FUBU, has built his brand on supporting entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented communities. His hands-on mentorship approach has been evident in many of his Shark Tank deals, as he often works closely with founders to help them scale their businesses.

Mark Cuban’s Opinion About His Role on Shark Tank

Finally, when reflecting on his own role on the show, Cuban summed it up with his signature laid-back confidence:

“And then me, right? And I just try to F* with all of them and just have fun”.

Cuban’s investments over the years have often focused on tech, sports, and innovative consumer products. His willingness to take risks and his straightforward, no-nonsense approach has made him one of the most influential Sharks in the show’s history.

The Legacy of Mark Cuban on Shark Tank

Mark Cuban’s departure from Shark Tank marks the end of an era. He’s been one of the show’s most outspoken and successful investors. Yet, his admiration for Barbara Corcoran highlights a core truth in business—sometimes, gut feeling trumps all.

For fans of the show, Cuban’s insights offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the personalities that shaped Shark Tank into a cultural phenomenon. While he may no longer be in the Tank, his influence remains. His love for stirring things up will no doubt be a key part of the show’s legacy.