Bill Rasmussen, who co-founded ESPN and helped transform American sports television, died Tuesday at his Florida home at age 93, according to The Associated Press.
ESPN historian Mike Soltys said Rasmussen died from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. He had publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 2019.
Rasmussen and his son, Scott, developed the idea for a television network devoted entirely to sports. ESPN launched on September 7, 1979, beginning with the debut of “SportsCenter” and a slow-pitch softball game.
The Rasmussens were forced out in 1980 after Getty gained majority control, but Rasmussen’s relationship with ESPN was later restored. The company honored him as a key figure in its history.
Rasmussen was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2025.
Related Tweet:
ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen, whose out-of-the-box idea of a 24-hour cable sports network forever changed the landscape of sports media, died today at the age of 93.
— ESPN (@espn) August 18, 2026
A game-changer for the ages. Thank you for everything, Bill ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hOCy8QyUEo
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