Mark Cuban and Charles Barkley Together? This Combo Is Too Hot to Handle!

Mark Cuban, billionaire investor and “Shark Tank” personality, stirred political intrigue during his appearance on “The Steam Room” podcast. In a candid conversation with NBA TNT hosts Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley, Cuban entertained the possibility of running for president—with a surprising partner in mind.

Initially dismissing the idea of entering politics with a resounding “hell no,” Cuban softened when Johnson proposed an unconventional ticket: Mark Cuban for president with Charles Barkley as his vice president.

“Would your feeling on a run for office change if it were, say, a ticket of you and the Chuckster?” Johnson asked, referencing his charismatic co-host.

Without hesitation, Cuban replied, “Yes, absolutely. We’d win running away. No question about it.”

Barkley, never one to shy away from a bold statement, agreed enthusiastically. “We’d win. We’d definitely win. Yes, absolutely, running away.”

Barkley: A Model of Civility and Connection

Cuban didn’t hold back in praising Barkley, highlighting the former NBA star’s knack for connecting with people from all walks of life.

“Charles can talk to anybody and put himself in any circumstance and get along with everybody, and I think that’s what we need,” Cuban said.

Moments earlier, Barkley had asked Cuban if he had ever seriously considered running for office. Cuban admitted the thought had crossed his mind, but his family vetoed the idea.

“I even talked to a pollster,” Cuban revealed. “But then I talked to my family and we took a family vote, and they said, ‘hell no.’”

The Dark Side of Modern Politics

Cuban shared that his reluctance to enter politics stems from the increasingly hostile environment, particularly on social media.

“Today’s politics is meaner,” he said. “If your kids live on social media, why would I put them through that?”

He expressed frustration over the divisive nature of political discourse and the toll it takes on families.

Reflecting on Defeat and Looking Ahead

Cuban, who supported Kamala Harris during her campaign, compared Trump’s victory to losing a championship game.

“It’s like losing the last game of the season. You know? It’s a horrible feeling; walking off the court is awful. But, you’ve got to look forward to next season,” he said, referencing his Dallas Mavericks’ recent NBA Finals loss.

Cuban emphasized the importance of moving past personal grievances to focus on the future. “I care about this country. I love this country. It’s not about ‘I hate this person’ or ‘I hate that person.’ It’s about what we can do going forward.”

Past Controversies Resurface

Cuban’s political musings have not been without controversy. During the election, he faced backlash for comments about former President Donald Trump.

“They’re intimidating to him. He doesn’t like to be challenged by [strong, intelligent women],” Cuban said on The View, referring to Nikki Haley and other prominent conservative figures.

He later apologized for the remarks, acknowledging they came across as dismissive of conservative women.

Cuban also became the subject of online ridicule, with critics comparing his appearance in black-rimmed glasses to MSNBC host Rachel Maddow.

A Maverick’s Approach to Politics

While Cuban remains focused on his business ventures and NBA commitments, his playful exchange with Barkley hinted at a refreshing approach to leadership—one centered on civility and forward-thinking solutions.

In Cuban’s words: “It’s not about hate. It’s about what we can do together to move forward.”

Whether this dream ticket will ever hit the campaign trail remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Cuban and Barkley have already won over the podcast audience with their chemistry and candidness.