Bill Rasmussen, Visionary Founder of 24-Hour Sports Television, Dies at 93
Bristol, Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen has passed away at age 93. His 1979 launch of the world’s first 24-hour sports network permanently transformed sports media and global broadcasting.
Founding Vision and Early Life
Bill Rasmussen, the visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized cable television by founding ESPN, passed away on August 18, 2026 [1]. He was 93 years old at the time of his death, having been born on October 15, 1932 [1]. Rasmussen co-founded the network with his son Scott Rasmussen, establishing a partnership that would define sports broadcasting for decades [1]. His creation of the first 24-hour sports network fundamentally reshaped the sports entertainment landscape [1].
Launch and Financial Structure
ESPN launched via satellite on September 7, 1979, securing its position as the world’s first 24/7 sports-only network [1]. The network’s launch was secured through $20 million in funding from Getty Oil, a critical sponsorship deal with Budweiser, and a broadcasting agreement with the NCAA [1]. This initial capitalization allowed the company to operate for 47 years leading up to the present date [1]. The title of Rasmussen’s final book derives from the first SportsCenter broadcast on that launch day [1].
Broadcast Announcement and Tribute
ESPN announced the passing of founder Bill Rasmussen live on First Take on August 18, 2026 [2]. The announcement was made at 4:19 PM on the day of his death, confirming the news to a global audience [2]. The tribute was cut off by the start of The Pat McAfee Show, a scheduling detail noted by industry observers [3]. This interruption occurred during the live broadcast segment dedicated to his memory [3].
Recent Works and Legacy
Rasmussen authored his final book, “Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN,” which was released in July 2026 [1]. The book features perspectives from 25 individuals interviewed for a Tenero Productions documentary of the same name [1]. Mike Soltys, ESPN historian and co-author, began working for Rasmussen as a summer intern in 1980 and served over 43 years in ESPN’s Corporate Communications department [1]. Soltys noted that Rasmussen’s idea launched thousands of careers and sparked the sports TV industry’s growth for 50 years [1].