Mark Cuban, still synonymous with the Dallas Mavericks, is no longer the majority owner but still plays a crucial role as a minority owner and Head of Basketball Operations.
His presence at games, once a fixture for over two decades, has notably diminished. The reason? An NBA policy that Cuban described as “petty” during an appearance on The Steam Room podcast.
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Mark Cuban’s courtside streak comes to an end
For 24 years, Cuban sat courtside behind the Mavericks’ bench, both at home and on the road.
However, since stepping down as the majority owner, that privilege has been revoked.
Cuban claims this isn’t due to space constraints or a new policy, but simply because the NBA decided to enforce a rule it had previously overlooked.
“The NBA got really, really, really petty and won’t let me sit behind the bench anymore,”Cuban said.
“I called Adam [Silver], and Adam called so-and-so, and so-and-so called Adam back. Nobody wanted to give me an answer… They just said, ‘We’re sticking to it.'”
Cuban’s frustration is palpable, but it raises questions: Is the NBA truly being petty, or is this simply the enforcement of a long-standing rule now that Cuban is no longer the team’s governor?
While some may view this as a harsh stance, others argue it’s a natural consequence of his change in ownership status.
Mavericks focused on new era
For Mavericks fans, Cuban remains a pivotal figure who revolutionized the team and fought for league-wide changes.
Yet, his recent comments risk overshadowing the Mavericks’ on-court performance, especially after a successful road trip.
While Cuban’s passion is undeniable, his critics argue that public grievances like this diminish his influence.
As the Mavericks transition into a new era, Cuban’s role is evolving. Whether this courtside controversy becomes a footnote or a recurring theme remains to be seen.
