ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen Dies at 93 in Florida

Bill Rasmussen, the founder of ESPN, died at age 93 in Florida from Parkinson’s disease. Often described as the architect of ESPN's 24-hour sports network, his vision helped launch the channel in September 1979 and reshape sports media. His contributions earned recognition such as a spot in Sports Illustrated’s Forty for the Ages in 1994. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro called him a visionary and innovator whose entrepreneurial spirit defined the network’s culture. Tributes from peers, including Chris Berman, highlighted his optimism and his role in bringing milestones like Monday Night Football to ESPN; he is survived by his wife Lois, two sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.