Get All Access for $5/mo

Mark Cuban on Going to Space: 'I Don't Even Think I Can Afford That Sh*t' The billionaire sounded off in an interview about his lack of plans to join the great space race.

By Emily Rella

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

2021 saw the great billionaire space race finally come to fruition.

Jeff Bezos launched himself into the ether in a historic flight among his company Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket ship while later this year taking celebrities William Shatner and Michael Strahan on the same journey.

Richard Branson also made his way into the atmosphere aboard the VSS Unity with his space exploration company Virgin Galactic.

And then of course there was Elon Musk, who won the sole lunar landing grant from NASA in preparation of sending SpaceX rockets to the moon, sparking contention and pushback from Bezos and Blue Origin.

But notably missing among these billionaires eager to leave good old Planet Earth has been Mark Cuban, who had a hilarious response earlier this year after being questioned on whether or not he would ever make the journey.

As we revisit some of our favorite interviews from 2021, Mark Cuban's interview from this past October with Jim Norton and Sam Roberts on Faction Talk comes to mind.

In blunt terms, after being asked if he had any desire to go into space, Cuban replied with a simple "F*ck No!" before admitting that he is "terrified of heights."

"I own a sports team, I own the Mavs," the Dallas Mavericks owner said. "I want those trophies, those are the skins I want on the wall."

The talk show hosts brought up to concept of "competitiveness" amongst the billionaire brigade, asking Cuban if that sentiment would ever be enough to get him to change his mind.

"I don't even think I can afford that sh*t, those guys are really rich. I mean I'm really rich but they make me look poor, like really poor," Cuban joked amid roaring laughter. "Pay your way on Cuban, that's ok!"

As of Monday afternoon, Cuban's net worth was an estimated $4.5 billion.

Emily Rella

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.