Mark Cuban may have stepped back from the NBA spotlight after selling a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks, but he’s not done making waves in American sports.
The billionaire entrepreneur, who transformed the Mavericks into a title-winning and multi-billion-dollar franchise, is now positioning himself for a strategic return-this time in Major League Baseball.
Cuban has joined forces with the newly formed Harbinger Sports Partners, co-founded alongside former AMB Sports and Entertainment CEO Steve Cannon and venture capitalist Rashaun Williams. Their ambitious aim? To acquire minority ownership stakes in NBA, NFL, and MLB teams.
According to early details, Harbinger is prepared to invest between $50 million and $150 million per transaction and is targeting up to 5% ownership in multiple franchises. These holdings are expected to be held for seven to ten years before being sold through secondary offerings.
MLB in Cuban’s sights after past attempts
Cuban’s interest in MLB ownership is not new. He previously tried, and failed, to purchase the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
But his persistence has never waned. Now, with a more measured and institutional strategy in place, he may finally break into the sport.
In a joint statement, co-founder Rashaun Williams explained the group’s vision: “The professional sports sector is maturing into an institutional-quality asset class.
“Harbinger will be structured to operate within league frameworks while offering long-term capital, operational fluency, and a responsible ownership mindset.”
This strategy marks a shift from Cuban‘s past hands-on management style. After buying the Mavericks for $285 million in 2000, he remained a passionate and visible owner, turning the team into a $4.7 billion enterprise.
In 2023, he sold a controlling interest to casino magnate Miriam Adelson but retained a 27% minority stake.
Cuban‘s pivot reflects a broader trend across sports ownership: the rise of institutional investors seeking growth assets and diversified portfolios. As franchise values skyrocket, traditional models of ownership are evolving-and Cuban is adapting with them.
NBA owners expanding into baseball
Cuban is not the only NBA figure exploring opportunities in MLB. Glen Taylor, who sold the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Lynx for $1.5 billion to a group led by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, has long been rumored to have interest in the Minnesota Twins.
Meanwhile, Magic Johnson, an NBA legend in his own right, became a co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012. Under his ownership group, the Dodgers have flourished, securing World Series titles in both 2020 and 2024.
These moves signal a growing cross-league interest among sports executives, who now see MLB as a valuable piece in their investment portfolios.
With Cuban‘s deep business acumen and sports leadership experience, his involvement could be a game-changer for the next team lucky enough to secure his backing.
While no specific MLB club has yet been linked to Cuban or Harbinger, the stage is clearly set. The sports business is evolving rapidly, and figures like Cuban are helping to reshape its landscape.
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