A lot of things changed when Mark Cuban purchased a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks in 2000. He revived the energy of the camp with confidence and a clear belief that the team could do better. He involved himself deeply in decisions and pushed for higher standards across the organization.
Fans noticed the shift. The Mavericks started to feel alive, competitive, and ambitious again. Mark poured money into the places where players worked every day. Arenas, practice gyms, recovery spaces, and medical facilities were brought up to modern standards.
The organization aimed to be organized, transparent, and well-run. Mark pushed for an environment where professionalism was part of everyday life. Cuban has never fit the mold of a wealthy owner trying to spend his way to wins anyway.
This same philosophy has been reflected in his behaviour in the Tank.
Cancer Survivor Meets Mark Cuban On Shark Tank
Joe Moore appeared on Shark Tank Season 2 Episode 2 and spoke about surviving cancer. He explained how that experience pushed him to create a simple nasal filter designed to limit what people breathe in. He came in seeking an investment worth $500,000 in exchange for 10% equity in his company called First Defence Nasal Screens.
No one, at first glance, knew just how much Moore’s cancer journey would shape the upcoming negotiations.
Moore framed his pitch around a problem that shows up everywhere. Allergy relief ads dominate television. Hospitals treat several patients suffering from breathing and irritation issues every year. His product was meant to block allergens, pollen, and pollution without feeling bulky or intrusive.
First Defence Nasal Screens Shark Tank Pitch
The mood in the room had been doubtful at first. The Sharks questioned whether the idea was serious at all. Mark Cuban reacted with disbelief, and Daymond John pressed Moore on sales. When Moore said he had already moved 1.7 million units, the tone shifted.
Interest grew even more when he shared that a signed agreement covered another eight million units over the next six years. Skepticism faded, and Cuban stopped treating the pitch lightly.
Robert Herjavec humorously remarked how Moore suddenly did not look so ridiculous wearing the product on his nose anymore.
Kevin O’Leary asked about patents. Cuban asked how the funding would be used. Real interest took over, and questions started coming one after another.
Barbara Corcoran bowed out early. She felt the effort required to teach customers why they needed the product would be too expensive. Kevin O’Leary was willing to invest the full $500,000. But he asked for 20 percent ownership along with a 15 percent royalty.
Before Moore could answer, Mark Cuban interjected. He said he was willing to work alongside O’Leary. Daymond John offered $800,000 for 30 percent of the company + a 10 percent royalty. Meanwhile, Mr. Wonderful came back with a new proposal. He offered $1 million to buy the whole business.
Moore turned that down. He said he might consider a full sale, but only at a much higher price and with a 10 percent royalty still in place. Then Robert Herjavec jumped in. He offered $2 million for the company and agreed to a 10 percent royalty. Robert Herjavec raised the stakes further with a record-setting offer.
High-Stakes Bidding War Around First Defence Nasal Screens on Shark Tank
Robert put $4 million on the table for the company and kept the 10 percent royalty in place.
Moore pushed back by saying, “I believe with the statistics and the research we have done, the royalty would have to be 10 percent. I would like to stay a part of it, to be honest, because this is my passion. I’m going to show you something: I am a cancer survivor.”
He further added, “I believe in this more than anything else because I’ve got testimonials of people saying, ‘You’ve changed my life, you changed the quality of my life.’ I believe that the $4 million is a little low.
Moore concluded by saying, “I think we are very close. I think if you are going to $5 million and 15 percent.” Herjavec respectfully declined and stepped out.
After Robert’s offer, Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban, and Daymond John decided to work together. They presented a final joint offer of $750,000 for 30% ownership, paired with a 15 percent royalty that would continue over time.
Moore cheekily asked for Mavericks season tickets as well before shaking hands on the offer.
What the First Defence Nasal Screens Deal Reveals About Mark Cuban
Cuban showed a sharp understanding of the moment. He could tell early on that the decision was not being driven only by numbers or valuation. The deal carried personal meaning for Moore.
Mark understood that respect and emotion mattered here. It was a side of business that often gets ignored. He bridged the gap between a business offer and a decision Moore could feel good about.
The deal did not stop with the episode. Later reporting showed the product spreading into more than 30 countries and finding its way into Asian markets. Cuban’s call to include a lifelong royalty ensured Moore continued earning as the product succeeded.
The choice reflected a broader way of thinking. Building something lasting mattered more than squeezing out immediate profit.
