Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Mark Cuban

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Mark Cuban.

Mark Cuban is an accomplished American businessman, television personality, and investor. He is widely recognized as the former majority owner and current minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team and co-owner of 2929 Entertainment. Cuban gained further prominence as one of the main investors on the reality TV show Shark Tank from 2012 to 2025. His business acumen and investments have resulted in a substantial net worth, estimated by Forbes to be $6 billion as of May 2025.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1933: Securities Act

In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media, impacting a lawsuit against Bitconnect.

June 2004: Alleged Insider Trading

In June 2004, a stock dilution occurred shortly after Mark Cuban's trade in Mamma.com shares. This hinted at inside knowledge at the time of the trade, and the SEC alleged Cuban was saved from a $750,000 loss. The SEC stated that Cuban ordered the sale of his holdings in Mamma.com after being confidentially approached by the company to participate in a transaction likely to dilute shares of current shareholders.

July 2006: Finances Sharesleuth.com

In July 2006, Mark Cuban financed Sharesleuth.com, a website created to uncover fraud in publicly traded companies, experimenting with a new business model for online journalism.

2006: NBA Fines Cuban After Finals

Following the 2006 NBA Finals, Mark Cuban was fined $250,000 by the NBA for repeated misconduct after the Mavericks' loss to the Miami Heat in Game Five.

2006: Comments on 2006 NBA Finals

In February 2007, Mark Cuban publicly criticized NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade and declared that he would get fined if he made any comments about what he thought really happened in the 2006 NBA Finals.

September 2007: Removal of Photos from Redacted

In September 2007, Mark Cuban, as owner of Magnolia Pictures, removed disturbing photographs from the film Redacted due to copyright issues.

January 16, 2009: Fine for Yelling at J.R. Smith

On January 16, 2009, the NBA fined Mark Cuban $25,000 for yelling at Denver Nuggets player J. R. Smith during a Mavericks-Nuggets game on January 13. Cuban offered to match the fine with a donation to a charity of Smith's choosing or, failing that, to the NHL Players' Association Goals and Dreams Fund in the names of Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore.

May 2009: Controversial Comments About the Denver Nuggets

In May 2009, Mark Cuban referred to the Denver Nuggets as "thugs" after a loss in game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. He also made a comment towards Kenyon Martin's mother. Although controversial, the league did not fine him.

May 2010: Lawsuit Filed by H. Ross Perot Jr.

In May 2010, H. Ross Perot Jr. filed a lawsuit against Mark Cuban, alleging the Dallas Mavericks franchise was insolvent.

May 22, 2010: Fine for LeBron James Comments

On May 22, 2010, Mark Cuban was fined $100,000 for comments he made during a television interview about trying to sign LeBron James.

June 2010: Cuban Responds to Lawsuit

In June 2010, Mark Cuban responded to the lawsuit filed by H. Ross Perot Jr., maintaining that Perot was wrongly seeking money.

January 18, 2014: Fine for Inappropriate Language Towards Referees

On January 18, 2014, Mark Cuban was fined $100,000 for confronting referees and using inappropriate language. He agreed to match the fine with a donation to charity if he reached two million followers on his Twitter account.

September 2016: Criticism of Trump's Tax Comments

In September 2016, Mark Cuban criticized Donald Trump's characterization that paying the minimum required taxes 'is smart' and for not paying back into the system that allowed him to amass such wealth.

February 21, 2018: $600,000 Fine for "Tanking" Statement

On February 21, 2018, Mark Cuban was fined $600,000 by the NBA for stating that the Dallas Mavericks should "tank for the rest of the season." Commissioner Adam Silver stated the fine was "for public statements detrimental to the NBA."

March 6, 2018: Reported Allegations of Sexual Groping

On March 6, 2018, Willamette Week reported on an alleged April 2011 incident where a woman claimed Mark Cuban sexually groped her at a Portland bar. Cuban denied the allegations, and the District Attorney's office declined to prosecute due to a lack of concrete evidence. The NBA announced they would review the matter.

March 8, 2018: NBA Review of Allegations

On March 8, 2018, the NBA announced it was reviewing the alleged April 2011 incident where Mark Cuban was accused of sexual groping.

March 6, 2020: $500,000 fine for criticizing NBA officiating

On March 6, 2020, Mark Cuban was fined $500,000 by the NBA for "public criticism and detrimental conduct regarding NBA officiating", according to the league.

2020: Support for National Anthem Movement

In late 2020, Mark Cuban began supporting the movement of not playing the National Anthem at Dallas Mavericks games, in order to "respect those whose believed the anthem did not represent them."

February 2022: Court Ruling on Social Media Solicitation

In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media, impacting a lawsuit against Bitconnect.