Mark Cuban Did A 'Little Naked Dance' After Becoming A Billionaire And Says It Made Him 'So Much More Handsome The Next Day'

When Mark Cuban hit billionaire status, his first reaction wasn't to pop Champagne or make a grand announcement. Instead, he did what he calls a "little naked billionaire dance." Cuban shared this quirky moment during OZY Fest in New York City, giving the audience a glimpse into his lighter side as reported by CNBC in 2017. 

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In 1998, Cuban and his co-founder Todd Wagner took Broadcast.com public, turning their online audio streaming company into a massive success. Cuban, already glued to the screen watching the stock price, repeatedly hit the refresh button when it finally hit the magic number. "I'm sitting there naked one morning … bam, bam, bam, refresh, refresh," Cuban said. 

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And once the stock hit his billionaire target, he celebrated uniquely, dancing around the room. Once the price went up, "I did my little naked billionaire dance," he recalled. 

But Cuban didn't stop at dancing – he quickly bought a plane, marking his entry into the elite world of billionaires. And as he humorously put it, becoming a billionaire didn't just change his bank account; it seemed to change his looks too. "I was so much more handsome that next day. No lie," he joked.

While Cuban was basking in his newfound wealth, Wagner saw a huge payday. Wagner bet big on Broadcast.com, investing his entire savings and 401(k). Their bold moves paid off big when Yahoo purchased the company for $5.7 billion in 2000.

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Even though Cuban and Wagner both made fortunes, they quickly note that money doesn't define success or happiness. "If you can wake up in the morning with a big old smile on your face, excited about the day, you are successful," Cuban said. 

He also reflected on his early years, when he was broke but still found ways to live life to the fullest. "My wallet changed, my bank account has changed, but my approach to having fun hasn't changed," he added. He famously talked about how he drove cars worth $200 with holes in the floorboards and ate macaroni and cheese while living with five roommates in his early 20s before making it big.

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Since selling a majority stake (73%) in the Dallas Mavericks for $3.5 billion last year, Cuban has been focusing on other ventures and strategic moves. He’s maintained a 27% ownership stake and continues to oversee the team’s basketball operations. 

Cuban has shifted his attention to his prescription drug company, Cost Plus Drugs, which aims to reduce medication prices. He’s also still actively investing in startups and has appeared on Shark Tank, though 2024 will be the final season. 

Today, Cuban is worth an estimated $5.7 billion, but he stays grounded, sharing that real success comes from within, not from a bank balance.

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