Bill Rasmussen, ESPN founder, dies at 93

Investing.com -- Bill Rasmussen, who founded ESPN, died Tuesday at age 93 from complications related to Parkinson's disease, the network said.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro described Rasmussen as a visionary and innovator who created the concept of a network dedicated entirely to sports.

Rasmussen and his son Scott developed the idea for a sports-only television network in 1978, utilizing satellite technology that was emerging at the time.

The network launched on September 7, 1979, reaching 1.4 million homes. SportsCenter served as the opening program.

Rasmussen held the position of ESPN's first president and became chairman in July 1979. He left his active role at the company in October 1980.

During his time leading ESPN, Rasmussen introduced 24-hour sports programming and coverage of early rounds of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

The network has expanded from approximately 80 employees at its launch to more than 5,900 employees worldwide. ESPN now operates eight U.S. television networks, a sports app, and ESPN Audio, along with other services.

Rasmussen received induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2025. He was also recognized on the Sports 100 list, which honors the 100 most important people in American sports history.

Rasmussen is survived by two sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His wife, Lois, died in 2011.

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