Key facts
- Bill Rasmussen, co-founder of ESPN, died at age 93.
- He passed away at his Florida home from complications of Parkinson's disease.
- Rasmussen conceived the idea for a 24-hour all-sports cable network.
- ESPN launched on September 7, 1979.
- Rasmussen and his son were ousted from the company in 1980.
Bill Rasmussen, the visionary co-founder of ESPN, died Tuesday at his Florida home at the age of 93. His death was attributed to the effects of Parkinson's disease, a condition he announced in 2019 after being diagnosed in 2014. Rasmussen, along with his son Scott, conceived the idea for a 24-hour all-sports cable network, a concept that revolutionized television viewing habits in the United States. Despite initial skepticism from cable operators, Rasmussen secured financial backing from Getty Oil and an NCAA rights deal to launch ESPN on September 7, 1979. George Grande hosted the inaugural "SportsCenter" broadcast, followed by the network's first live event, a slow-pitch softball game. However, Rasmussen and his son's tenure at ESPN was brief. They were forced out by majority owner Getty Oil in 1980, with Texaco later selling its stake to ABC in 1984. ESPN's programming expanded significantly after their departure, including the NFL draft, the ESPY Awards in 1993, and the X Games in 1995. The network also secured exclusive rights to the College Football Playoff, agreeing to a new six-year, $7.8 billion contract through the 2031-32 season. Rasmussen remained estranged from ESPN until 1999, when he was invited to the network's 20th-anniversary celebration. He was subsequently embraced and recognized for his pioneering vision. He was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2025. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro described Rasmussen as a "visionary and an innovator" whose passion and entrepreneurial spirit remain integral to the company's culture. Veteran anchor Chris Berman called Rasmussen "our George Washington and a good friend," highlighting his optimism and gratitude.