Mark Cuban on the NBA, Cost Plus Drugs, and How to Fix Politics
Show Notes
What happens when AI collides with salesmanship, streaming-era sports, and healthcare?
In this episode, Erik Torenberg is joined by Mark Cuban, entrepreneur, Dallas Mavericks co-owner, and founder of Cost Plus Drugs.
Topics include fiery group chats and how dissent sharpens thinking, the sales playbook of modern politics, and concrete fixes for U.S. healthcare like ending PBM opacity, publishing real prices, and government-backed patient financing. Mark also explains how AI is pushing media from “social” to algorithmic, why he expects millions of models, and why ESOPs are an underrated wealth engine. He shares what he’d build today and weighs in on NBA economics under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Timecodes:
Introduction
Salesmanship, Politics, and Social Media
AI, Algorithms, and the Future of Media
Fragmentation of Social Platforms
Political Messaging & Economic Populism
Wealth, Equity, and Employee Ownership
AI’s Impact on Education and Healthcare
Fixing the US Healthcare System
Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI
Business Success, Sports, and Investments
NBA Economics and Team Building
Personal Priorities & Closing Thoughts
Resources:
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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