Entertainment
ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen dies at 93
The visionary behind the first 24-hour sports network died from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
The short version
- Bill Rasmussen, who co-founded ESPN and pioneered the 24-hour sports television format, died at age 93 at his home in Florida.
- Rasmussen launched the network with his son Scott in 1979 before being forced out by majority owner Getty Oil in 1980.
- The network later reconnected with Rasmussen for anniversary milestones and industry recognitions, including his 2025 induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Key facts
- ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen died Tuesday at his Land O’ Lakes, Florida, home at age 93 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.[Associated Press]
- Rasmussen and his son Scott conceived the idea of an around-the-clock sports network, which officially launched on September 7, 1979.[Associated Press]
- The founders secured funding from Getty Oil and an NCAA rights deal, but were forced out of the company in 1980 when Getty owned an 85% stake.[Associated Press]
- After years of estrangement, ESPN re-embraced Rasmussen starting with its 20th anniversary in 1999, and he was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2025.[Associated Press]