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Mark Cuban Pledges to Help Concession Stand Workers Affected by NBA Shutdown

The billionaire Mavericks owner is helping food stand workers who are now out of work.

By Colby Hall

March 12, 2020

Mark Cuban revealed Wednesday night during a courtside interview that he plans to take care of Mavericks concession workers and hourly-wage staffers suffering from the ill effects of the coronavirus outbreak suspending the NBA season.

Cuban was attending a home game for the Dallas Mavericks, the NBA team the billionaire media mogul owns, when news broke that the NBA is suspending the 2019-20 season amidst fears of the spread of COVID-19. The announcement came shortly after news broke that Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the coronavirus.

Cuban made clear that, in his opinion, serious concerns over the public health risk presented by the global pandemic transcended the entertainment and near-term economic benefits from professional sports. He then noted how he was planning to take care of his hourly wage staff who are entirely dependent on games being played in stadiums.

Asked "what concerns he has for his team," Cuban took the long view.

"It's not about team it's about the country and life in general, you know," Cuban said. "We've got the pieces in place."

"I'm concerned about, now that we're not playing games—what about all the people who work here on an hourly basis? We'll put together a program for them."

Watch the portion of that interview here:

Mark Cuban says he's going to put a program in place to take care of Mavericks concession workers and others making hourly pay who will lose work time due to NBA coronavirus shutdown pic.twitter.com/hbCWnMI8H5

— gifdsports (@gifdsports) March 12, 2020

Cuban made his money after launching, then selling, both MicroSolutions and Broadcast.com in the 1990s. He's been a vocal participant in political discourse on both sides of the aisle, and also hosts the hit competitive reality show Shark Tank.

He's also long flirted with a political career, and a possible run for the White House, though few have taken that terribly seriously. One thing is for sure, though: Concession workers and hourly wage employees will certainly want "Mark Cuban for President!" if he pulls through by supporting them through these tough times.

Eat This, Not That! is constantly monitoring the latest food news as it relates to COVID-19 in order to keep you healthy, safe, and informed (and answer your most urgent questions). Here are the precautions you should be taking at the grocery store, the foods you should have on hand, the meal delivery services and restaurant chains offering takeout you need to know about, and ways you can help support those in need. We will continue to update these as new information develops. Click here for all of our COVID-19 coverage, and sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date.