The founder of ESPN, Bill Rasmussen, has died. He was 93 years old and died today from the effects of Parkinson’s disease. He was a sports fan who turned into a broadcaster and entrepreneur who had the out-of-the-box idea to start a 24-hour cable sports network. This network was ESPN and it changed the landscape of sports media forever.
“Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. “Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn’t for Bill’s passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s – key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day.”
Pitaro added: “One of my greatest thrills since joining ESPN was getting to know Bill on a personal level. I will always cherish the memory of catching the ceremonial first pitch that he threw at Fenway Park in Boston in celebration of our 40th anniversary. His legacy will always be a part of ESPN.”
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro took to Instagram, where he said, “Bill Rasmussen had a remarkable idea: create a network devoted entirely to sports. That vision became @ESPN and forever changed the way millions of fans experience the games, teams and athletes we love. Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit, optimism and belief in what was possible helped build something extraordinary, and his legacy will continue to inspire ESPN and all of us at Disney for generations to come. Our thoughts are with Bill’s family, friends and the entire ESPN community.”
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger also shared on social media, saying, “ESPN was Bill Rasmussen’s vision, and it grew beyond his wildest dreams! Sports fans all owe him a special thanks! May he rest in peace.”
Rasmussen joins his wife of 56 years, Lois, who passed away in 2011. He is survived by his two sons, Scott Rasmussen and his wife Laura and Glenn Rasmussen; his daughter Lynn Van Hollebeke and her husband Louie; seven grandchildren, Andy, P.J., Wil, MaryAnn, Donna, Jessica and Sarah; one great-grandson, Otto; and one great-granddaughter, Adelaide. In addition to his wife, Bill was predeceased by his brothers Robert and Donald Rasmussen, sister Vivien, and grandson Justin Van Hollebeke.
“Bill was our George Washington and a good friend,” said veteran anchor Chris Berman, who joined ESPN three weeks after the original network launch in 1979. “He was such a grateful person and every sports fan can be grateful for Bill. He wasn’t a glass half-full guy; his glass was always overflowing with optimism. He greeted everyone with a smile and we can all smile knowing Bill’s legacy.”
Please join Daps Magic in sending our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Bill Rasmussen.
