If you’ve ever daydreamed about pitching your business to Mark Cuban or Lori Greiner, you’ve probably wondered when the next application window actually opens. The truth is, Shark Tank’s casting cycle is more fluid than most people realize, and the season numbers you see in headlines don’t always match the deadline you need.

4 related posts

Season 15 deadline: End of July 2023 ·
Season 16 deadline: End of July 2024 ·
Ways to apply: Online or attend an open call

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether the application portal closes entirely between seasons or simply remains open without active review.
  • If late applications are still considered for the next cycle or are discarded.
  • The exact date when Season 17 casting will be announced (no official notice found as of mid-2024).
3Timeline signal
  • Jan 24, 2023 — ABC30 announces Season 15 casting, deadline end of July.
  • Jan 10, 2024 — ABC7 News announces Season 16 casting, deadline end of July.
  • Feb 2, 2024 — 6abc echoes the same “now through July 2024” deadline.
  • The pattern points to a recurring July deadline window for annual casting.
4What’s next
  • ABC will likely announce Season 17 casting in early 2025, following the established early-year announcement pattern.
  • Applicants should prepare a video pitch now, as the official ABC portal is always open for submissions.
  • Watch for local ABC affiliate casting calls in your region for a chance at an in-person pitch.

The data from multiple ABC affiliates shows a consistent pattern. Here’s a closer look at six key facts that anchor the 2024 casting story.

Fact Detail Source
Season 15 casting announced January 24, 2023 ABC30
Season 15 deadline End of July 2023 ABC30
Season 16 casting announced January 10, 2024 (ABC7)
February 2, 2024 (6abc)		 ABC7 News, 6abc
Season 16 deadline End of July 2024 6abc, ABC7 News
Season 15 aired 2023–2024 TV season Shark Tank DB
Official application portal abc.com/shows/shark-tank/apply ABC
Application methods Online form or open call ABC
Later season (18) deadline pattern Open until end of April (2026) ABC casting page
Bottom line: The implication: the “end of July” deadline appears to be the network’s standard annual target for the regular summer taping cycle, but the ABC panel also shifts deadlines for later seasons, so checking the official casting page is the only reliable move.

How to apply for Shark Tank

ABC spells out two clear paths to get your application in front of the sharks. Both start at the same place: the official casting portal.

  1. Online application: Go to ABC’s Shark Tank apply page and fill out the form with your business details. You’ll need to submit a video pitch — typically 1–3 minutes explaining what your product does, why it’s unique, and what you’re asking for.
  2. Attend an open call: ABC affiliates sometimes host in-person casting events. Keep an eye on local ABC station websites (like ABC30 or 6abc) for announcements. These events let you pitch directly to a casting producer.
  3. Prepare your pitch early: According to DeciderTV (streaming and TV guide), a polished video that clearly shows your product in action can make or break your application.
The catch

The official ABC page doesn’t display a prominent season-specific deadline. That means late applicants might be rolled into the next cycle, but there’s no public guarantee — being early is your safest bet.

The implication: treat the application portal as always open for business, but aim for the early-year window (January–April) to align with typical production scheduling.

Season 15 vs. Season 16 – What changed?

The biggest shift between the two seasons is the timing of the casting announcement, not the deadline language. Season 15’s call came in January 2023 with a July 2023 cutoff. Season 16’s call landed in early 2024 with the same July cutoff. The messaging across affiliates was nearly identical: “apply now through the end of July.”

Another change? The season itself. Season 15 aired from 2023 into 2024, while Season 16 taped in mid-2024 for a 2024–2025 broadcast slot. According to Shark Tank DB (fan-run episode database), Season 15 included guest sharks like Daniel Lubetzky and Emma Grede, indicating a widening of the usual panel.

Why this matters

If you applied for Season 15 and didn’t hear back, you’re not automatically considered for Season 16. The network treats each season as a separate cycle — you’ll need to reapply or update your application when the new call opens.

The pattern: ABC recycles both the deadline language and the casting page URL season after season, so don’t rely on old affiliate articles. The one constant is the “end of July” language, which has held for at least two consecutive seasons.

Timeline – From casting call to air date

Understanding the production timeline helps you align your application with what actually happens behind the curtain.

  • Early January 2023: ABC30 posts Season 15 casting call, deadline end of July.
  • Summer 2023: Taping for Season 15 occurs (Shark Tank Blog notes taping usually June–September).
  • Fall 2023: Season 15 begins airing on ABC.
  • Early 2024: ABC7 News and 6abc announce Season 16 casting, again “through July 2024.”
  • Mid-2024: Taping for Season 16.
  • Late 2024: Season 16 premieres (projected).

“Entrepreneurs can apply online through the end of July.”

— ABC30 (Fresno ABC affiliate), January 2023 reporting on Season 15

“ABC has launched a nationwide casting call for Season 16 — now through July 2024.”

— 6abc Philadelphia (ABC affiliate), February 2024

The trade-off: applying early in the cycle (January–March) gives you a longer runway for follow-ups, while waiting until June might mean your application is processed as the deadline approaches.

What’s confirmed and what’s still fuzzy

Confirmed facts

  • ABC’s official casting page is live year-round and accepts submissions via online form or open call (ABC official portal).
  • Season 15 and Season 16 both had a “through the end of July” deadline, reported by multiple local ABC affiliates (ABC30, 6abc, ABC7 News).
  • Guest sharks appeared in Season 15, expanding the typical panel (Shark Tank DB).

What’s unclear

  • Whether late applications (submitted after the July deadline) are still reviewed for the next season.
  • The exact date the casting window closes — ABC’s site uses rolling language, not a hard cutoff.
  • If the 2025 season will follow the same January–July pattern or shift earlier (as Season 18’s April deadline suggests).

Related reading: Shark Tank official casting & application information · Shark Tank episode database and season guide

Additional sources

abc.com, epilepsy.com, origin-staticv2.sonyliv.com, origin-staticv2.sonyliv.com, en.wikipedia.org, abc.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Shark Tank application deadline for 2024?

Based on ABC affiliate reports, the Season 16 casting window ran “through the end of July 2024.” The deadline for later seasons may vary; always check the official ABC casting page.

Can I still apply for Shark Tank after the deadline?

The ABC portal remains open year-round, so you can submit an application at any time. However, there is no guarantee it will be reviewed for the current season if the window has closed. The safest approach is to apply during the announced window.

How do I apply for Shark Tank Season 17?

As of mid-2024, Season 17 casting has not been formally announced. Keep an eye on ABC.com/shows/shark-tank/apply and local ABC affiliate news. The pattern suggests an announcement in early 2025.

Do I need to submit a video pitch?

Yes. The online application requires a video pitch — typically 1–3 minutes — that explains your product, your business, and what you’re asking from the sharks. A well-produced video can significantly boost your chances.

Are open calls still happening for Shark Tank?

ABC affiliates occasionally host in-person open calls. For example, ABC30 in Fresno promoted open casting for Season 15. Watch local ABC station websites for call announcements.

What season is currently being cast?

In 2024, the casting announcements were for Season 16. By 2025–2026, ABC may shift to a different season number. The ABC casting page will reflect the current season.

Do I need a patent to apply?

No, a patent is not required. However, having some form of intellectual property protection (patent, trademark, copyright) can strengthen your pitch. Many successful pitches have had provisional patents or trademarks.

Related reading

  • Shark Tank official casting & application information — The definitive source for applying straight from ABC.
  • Shark Tank episode database and season guide — Browse past episodes, guest sharks, and product details from previous seasons.

For any entrepreneur serious about pitching on Shark Tank, the choice is clear: prepare your application now, target the early-year window, and keep checking the official ABC page — because the one thing the show doesn’t do is wait.