Mike Dee

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Mike Dee is an American business executive known for leading major sports teams, media companies, and, more recently, a wine and spirits business. As of January 2025, he serves as president of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits and is the co-founder and chairman of Pickleball 4 America, the group that owns the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships.

Early life and education
Dee grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and loved sports. He attended Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Government degree and played college basketball. He was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity and later became active in philanthropy, chairing the Pan-Mass Challenge, which has raised more than $1 billion for cancer research.

Executive career highlights
- San Diego Padres (1995–2002): Dee began with the Padres as Director of Corporate Development and later became Senior Vice President of Business Affairs. He helped plan Petco Park and launched Channel 4 Padres, a regional sports network.

- Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group (2002–2009): As chief operating officer, Dee helped the Red Sox win World Series titles in 2004 and 2007, set attendance and revenue records, and expand the brand internationally. He also oversaw the 50% stake in RFK Racing and significant media partnerships.

- Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium (2009–2013): Dee became CEO, guiding stadium naming rights with Sun Life Financial, working on a stadium renovation plan, and expanding community programs like the Dolphins Cancer Challenge.

- San Diego Padres (2013–2016): Returning as CEO and president, he led a major renovation of Petco Park, helped the team host the 2016 All-Star Game, and pursued a rebuilding strategy that brought in players like Fernando Tatís Jr. and sizable international investments.

- Audacy, Inc. (2017–2023): As president of Sports, Dee oversaw numerous broadcasting partnerships, launched RADIO.COM Sports, expanded sports betting collaborations with FanDuel and BetMGM, and helped create the You Better You Bet show with Nick Kostos. He also led the acquisition of QL Gaming Group.

- Pickleball 4 America (2023–2024): After leaving Audacy, he co-founded Pickleball 4 America and served as CEO. The organization acquired the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, merged with Spirit Promotions, and helped build the USOP National Pickleball Center in Collier County, Florida—the world’s largest pickleball facility—and grow the sport’s flagship event.

- Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits (2024–present): In January 2025, Dee was named president, overseeing brands such as Josh Cellars, Yellow Tail, The Calling, Redemption Whiskey, Gray Whale Gin, and Cantera Negra Tequila, as the company continues to expand its portfolio.

Personal
Dee is a longtime supporter of cancer research and served as chairman of the Pan-Mass Challenge, which has raised over a billion dollars for cancer treatment and research.

Mike Dee has built a career by leading large, diverse organizations, from professional sports to media and, now, the wine and spirits industry, always focusing on growth, branding, and charitable work.