Brett Opdyke Succeeds Ned Tate as EP at FOX Sports Florida / Sun Sports

(Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) — FOX Sports Florida and FOX’s Sun Sports announced today that Brett Opdyke has been named Executive Producer of the networks’, which combine to reach more than 6.5 million cable and satellite households across the state. Opdyke will oversee all remote and studio based productions and original programming in support of the networks’ television rights to the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Florida Gators and additional collegiate programming. He will transition in to his new role in the coming weeks.

“After an extensive search and interviewing many strong candidates, it was clear Brett has the leadership ability to take our large operation forward,” said Steve Tello, Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX Sports Florida / Sun Sports. “Brett will oversee the production of more than 700 live sporting events and over 300 studio based and original programs, and we are thrilled to have him take on the Executive Producer position.”

"Over the past 15 years, I have been especially fortunate to work with a very talented production staff and freelance community here in Florida,” Opdyke said.  “I have also had the great opportunity to work with our outstanding team partners across the state and look forward to building upon those relationships. This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to the challenges and successes that lay ahead."

Opdyke will be based out of South Florida and assumes the role of Executive Producer after spending the past 14 years with FOX Sports Florida in various roles. Beginning in 1998 as a production coordinator, he’s also served as a producer / director and production manager, including spending five years as lead producer on Florida Marlins broadcasts. For the past five years, Brett has served as the networks’ Orlando-based coordinating producer overseeing Tampa Bay Rays, Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Gators broadcasts.

Throughout his career, Opdyke has won four Sun Coast Emmy Awards for his work on ‘Inside the Magic: Gameday All Access’ (2008), ‘Feature: Lou Gehrig's Farewell’ (2009) and Tampa Bay Rays Live event coverage (2010, 2011). He and his wife, Corie, have two sons, Tyler, 8; and Connor, 6, with a baby expected later this month.

Opdyke succeeds Ned Tate, who will retire in January.  Tate has been with FOX RSN’s for over 16 years in various roles, including the past ten as Executive Producer.