ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen Passes Away at 93

Aug 18, 2026

62 min

Aug 18, 2026 19:31

ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen dies at 93 from Parkinson’s disease

## A Visionary in Sports Media

Bill Rasmussen, the pioneering founder of ESPN, has died at the age of 93 after battling Parkinson's disease. Rasmussen, who was once a local news sports director, transformed the sports media landscape with his innovative idea of a 24-hour cable sports network.

## Legacy of Innovation

Rasmussen's vision led to the creation of ESPN, which launched in the late 1970s and quickly became a global sports media powerhouse. His introduction of round-the-clock sports programming and coverage of events like the NCAA men's basketball tournament helped ESPN gain national attention.

## Impact on Modern Sports Broadcasting

Today, ESPN employs over 5,900 people worldwide and operates multiple U.S. television networks, a mobile app, and a direct-to-consumer service. The network, now part of Disney, is known for programs like "Monday Night Football" and "First Take."

## Remembering Bill Rasmussen

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Rasmussen as a visionary whose passion and entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for the company's success. Chris Berman, an early ESPN employee, remembered Rasmussen as a grateful and optimistic person whose legacy continues to impact sports fans everywhere.

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

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