Mark Cuban Reveals Real Reason for Selling Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have renewed optimism heading into the new campaign after making it to the NBA Finals last season.

The Mavericks retained their core led by the prolific one-two punch of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, while adding key pieces in Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall and the returning Spencer Dinwiddie.

Dallas is looking to win its first title since 2011. The team has gone through major changes since that year, including owner Mark Cuban selling his majority stake in Dec. 2023. It was valued around $3.5 billion, according to The Athletic .

It came as a surprise to many since Cuban was known for his deep love for the Mavericks. He bought the team for $285 million in 2000.

In a recent appearance on the podcast of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, "The Big Pod With Shaq," the 66-year-old business mogul explained why he sold the Mavericks to the Adelson and Dumont families.

"I sold the team for two reasons," said Cuban. "One, my kids are 15, 18 and 21 now, right? It puts a lot of pressure on them as I get older to make a decision. Are they gonna run the team?

"It's worked out for some families, and others, the kids just hate it, leave it resentful. I don't want to put my kids in that position."

He added that the changing landscape of team ownership in the NBA also contributed to his difficult decision.

"Second, you know, I talked about being the tech guy and the media guy and having an edge when I first came in," said Cuban. "I knew s*** nobody else did.

"But what's happening now, you saw it with Golden State (Warriors), now with Boston (Celtics): Build around the arena. The arena becomes the central point for some bigger real estate development. I don't know s*** about that."

Initially, it was reported that Cuban would retain control of the Mavericks' basketball operations despite selling his majority stake. This, however, was later refuted.

According to ESPN's Tim McMahon , president of basketball operations Nico Harrison calls the shots on personnel decisions.

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