Mark Cuban has become a big shark in a little pond.
The former majority owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and co-host of hit TV show Shark Tank has joined the ownership group of the CEBL’s Brampton Honey Badgers.
The Canadian Elite Basketball League team made the announcement Thursday morning, with Cuban saying he’s “excited to be part of the team.”
“Canadian basketball is probably the most underappreciated in the world,” Cuban said in a press release on the CEBL’s website.
“The talent here is through the roof and getting better by the day. The CEBL offers all of Canada the chance to see that amazing talent on display in exciting games that are fun and affordable for the entire family.
“I’m excited to be part of this team, help build the Brampton fanbase, and to bring some of the same fun we had in Dallas to the Toronto area.”
How did Cuban get involved?
Cuban, who still owns roughly a 27% stake of the Mavericks, has “long-time relationships” with Honey Badgers owner Leonard Asper and CEO Al Whitley.
Asper added that the team is “thrilled” to add such a knowledgeable basketball mind like Cuban to their organization.
“I am thrilled that Mark has decided to formally join me on this journey after having already helped along the way, including introducing me to our current CEO Al Whitley,” Asper said. “No one brings more basketball knowledge and winning culture than Mark, and all of us at the Honey Badgers are honoured to have him join this organization.”
It was initially unclear how much Cuban has invested in the team and what sort of official role he will have in the corporate structure.
What are the Brampton Honey Badgers?
The Honey Badgers are one of the CEBL’s original franchise and won the league’s championship in 2022.
They play their home games at CAA Centre and have “a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement.”
Brampton opens its 2026 season on May 15 with a home game against the Ottawa BlackJacks.