Bill Rasmussen, ESPN Co-Founder, Dies at 93
Bill Rasmussen, the co-founder of ESPN, has died at his home in Florida at the age of 93 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.
Denver, CO, August 18, 2026 —
Bill Rasmussen, who co-founded the sports broadcasting giant ESPN, died on Tuesday at his home in Florida. He was 93 years old.
Rasmussen’s death was attributed to complications from Parkinson’s disease, according to information provided.
ESPN, originally known as Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, was launched in 1979. Rasmussen, along with his son Scott Rasmussen and the support of Getty Oil, established the network with the aim of providing round-the-clock sports coverage. The network quickly grew to become a dominant force in sports media, known for its live event coverage, sports news, and analysis.
Rasmussen’s vision laid the groundwork for a new era of sports broadcasting, fundamentally changing how fans consumed sports content. ESPN’s innovative approach to programming and its commitment to covering a wide range of sports helped it capture a significant audience and establish a lasting legacy in the media landscape.
The co-founder’s passing marks the end of an era for a figure instrumental in the creation of one of the world’s most recognized sports media brands.
Story summarized from the original created by AP via Scripps News Group on www.denver7.com, see more information here.
