Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has revealed that he will be bidding farewell to the popular entrepreneur series "Shark Tank" after the show's 16th season. Cuban made the announcement during an appearance on the Showtime podcast "All The Smoke," where he spoke with hosts and former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson.

"This is our 15th year. Next year, 16th year, is going to be my last year," Cuban stated during the podcast. When Jackson jokingly compared him to an athlete retiring, Cuban confirmed, "It's time."

As one of the successful business people, or "sharks," on "Shark Tank," Cuban has been a key member of the panel tasked with evaluating business pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs. Over the years, the show has become renowned for its ability to give individuals a platform to take their businesses to new heights, with the sharks potentially investing in their ventures.

Speaking about his fondness for the show, Cuban expressed his belief that it highlights the American dream. "I feel like in doing 'Shark Tank' all these years, we've trained a generation of entrepreneurs, multiple generations of entrepreneurs," he said. "That's what happens, right? Now we've got people coming on [saying], I watched you when I was 10 years old."

Cuban's involvement in the show has led to numerous investments in various businesses that have been featured on "Shark Tank." While the billionaire mentioned that he is down a little on a cash basis, he emphasized that his overall investment portfolio is performing well, thanks to the success of the companies that he has supported.

With news of Cuban's departure, many fans of the show are expressing their gratitude for his contribution to the entrepreneurial community. The show's ability to inspire aspiring business owners from all walks of life has become a testament to the resilience of the American dream.

CNN has reached out to ABC, the network that airs "Shark Tank," for comment on Cuban's departure. As the show continues to evolve, fans eagerly await the announcement of a new shark who will join the panel in the upcoming seasons.