ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen Dies at 93
The visionary co-founder built ESPN into a 24-hour sports network that launched in 1979 and later reached nearly 70 million homes, Sports Business Journal said.
- Bill Rasmussen, the visionary entrepreneur who launched ESPN as the world's first 24-hour sports network in 1979, died Tuesday at age 93 from Parkinson's disease complications at his Florida home.
- After being fired from the New England Whalers in 1978, Rasmussen maxed out his credit card for a $9,000 advance to secure satellite space, fueling the launch of the Entertainment and Sports Programming network.
- Initial investors doubted the 24-hour sports concept, but Rasmussen secured essential backing from Getty Oil and Anheuser-Busch. These partnerships provided capital that helped establish the network, which now employs more than 5,900 people worldwide.
- ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Rasmussen's "passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit" that built company culture. Longtime personality Chris Berman called him "the George Washington of ESPN," honoring his enduring optimism and legacy.
- Following his departure from ESPN in 1980, Rasmussen became a motivational speaker and author, encouraging budding entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas. He is survived by sons Scott and Glenn, daughter Lynn, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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USA TodayESPN founder, 'father of sports television,' Bill Rasmussen dead at 93
ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen passed away at 93 due to Parkinson's complications. He revolutionized sports media by creating the first 24/7 sports network in 1979, leaving a lasting legacy recognized by ESPN leaders and the sports community worldwide.
Bill Rasmussen, founder of ESPN, died at the age of 93 after Parkinson's complications. Remember the creation of the sports channel. Learn more.
Bill Rasmussen, ESPN founder, dies at 93 after Parkinson’s battle
ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen, who envisioned a dedicated sports channel, has died. He was ninety-three years old after a battle with Parkinson's disease. Rasmussen's ambitious idea transformed sports media consumption for fans worldwide. His vision launched ESPN in 1979, creating a global sports media powerhouse. The network's evolution into a vast ecosystem reflects his enduring legacy.
The death of Bill Rasmussen marks the farewell to one of the men behind the creation of ESPN and its first broadcast in 1979.
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