What Happened to William F. Rasmussen?
William F. Rasmussen, widely known as the visionary co-founder of ESPN, revolutionized sports broadcasting by launching the world's first 24-hour sports television network in 1979. After his departure from ESPN, he continued as an entrepreneur, author, and public speaker, dedicating his later years to raising awareness for Parkinson's Disease, which ultimately led to his passing on August 18, 2026, at the age of 93.
Quick Answer
Bill Rasmussen, the pioneering founder of ESPN, passed away on August 18, 2026, at the age of 93, due to complications from Parkinson's Disease. He is celebrated for his revolutionary idea in 1978 to create a 24-hour cable sports network, which launched as ESPN in 1979 and forever changed the landscape of sports media. In his final years, Rasmussen remained active as an author, releasing his latest book, 'Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN,' in July 2026, and was a vocal advocate for Parkinson's awareness.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Chicago, Illinois
William F. Rasmussen was born in Chicago, Illinois.
Graduates from DePauw University
Rasmussen earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from DePauw University.
Begins career in media
Rasmussen started his career in media at radio station WTTT in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Joins New England Whalers
He became the communications director for the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association.
Fired from New England Whalers
Rasmussen was fired from his position with the Whalers, a catalyst for his next venture.
ESPN Incorporated
Bill Rasmussen, along with his son Scott Rasmussen and Ed Eagan, incorporated the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN).
ESPN Launches
ESPN officially launched, broadcasting its first 'SportsCenter' and becoming the world's first 24-hour sports television network.
Departs from ESPN
ESPN officials announced Bill Rasmussen's departure from the company by agreement.
Family's ESPN stake bought out
ABC purchased controlling interest in ESPN, buying out Getty Oil's position and the Rasmussen family's 15% stake for $6 million.
Honored by ESPN
Then-ESPN president George Bodenheimer recognized Rasmussen, dedicating a plaque and flagpole in his honor.
Discloses Parkinson's diagnosis
Rasmussen publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Throws ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park
Rasmussen threw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park in celebration of ESPN's 40th anniversary, caught by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
ESPN premieres 'Sports Heaven' documentary
ESPN premiered a documentary titled 'Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN,' detailing the network's founding by Bill and Scott Rasmussen.
New book 'Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN' released
Rasmussen's new book, co-authored with Mike Soltys and Garrett Z Sutton, was released, further detailing the ESPN origin story.
Passes away at 93
William F. Rasmussen died at the age of 93 in Florida due to the effects of Parkinson's Disease. His passing was confirmed by ESPN.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
William F. Rasmussen, born on October 15, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, etched his name into broadcasting history as the co-founder of ESPN. His journey into media began in radio and television in the 1960s, eventually leading him to a role as communications director for the New England Whalers. It was after his firing from the Whalers in May 1978 that Rasmussen conceived the groundbreaking idea for a 24-hour sports television network.
This pivotal moment, often recounted as being stuck in traffic with his son Scott, led to the incorporation of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) on July 14, 1978. With Rasmussen as its first president and CEO, ESPN officially launched on September 7, 1979, from Bristol, Connecticut, forever altering how sports fans consumed content. The network's immediate success and innovative programming, including 'SportsCenter' and extensive college sports coverage, quickly established its dominance.
Rasmussen's tenure at ESPN was relatively short, as he departed by agreement on September 30, 1980. His family's 15% stake in the company was later bought out by ABC for $6 million during Getty Oil's acquisition of controlling interest. Following his departure, Rasmussen remained an active entrepreneur, venturing into projects like the Enterprise Radio Network and various internet-based sports and gaming platforms, including College Fanz Sports Network. He also became a sought-after public speaker, sharing the ESPN origin story.
In his later years, Rasmussen continued to contribute to the narrative of ESPN's founding through his writings. He authored several books, including 'ESPN: One Giant Leap for Fankind' and, most recently, 'Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN,' which was released on July 28, 2026. In July 2019, Rasmussen publicly disclosed his diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease and became an advocate for awareness and research into the condition. He was recognized with numerous honors throughout his career, celebrating his profound impact on the sports industry.
On August 18, 2026, William F. Rasmussen passed away at the age of 93 in Florida, due to the effects of Parkinson's Disease. His death was confirmed by ESPN, with Chairman Jimmy Pitaro acknowledging his immense legacy. Rasmussen's vision not only created a media empire but also inspired countless careers and shaped the modern sports viewing experience, a legacy that continues to thrive decades after his initial groundbreaking idea.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if William F. Rasmussen made different choices?