ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen has passed away at the age of 93. Now, the sports network has revealed Bill's cause of death.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleThe sports world is in a state of mourning after it was revealed that Bill Rasmussen has passed away. For those unaware, Bill was the founder of ESPN. He established the first 24-hour television network back in 1979. According to reports, Bill was 93 years old when he took his last breath.
Bill Rasmussen passed away on August 18, 2026. As fans remember the ‘father of sports television’, many have become curious about what caused his death at 93 years old. Some believed that it might have been due to age-related complications, but ESPN revealed that Bill died from Parkinson's disease at his residence in Florida.
In a statement released by ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro following Bill’s death, he called the latter “a remarkable man.” He credited Bill by saying that none of them would be here today if it were not for him. The statement read:
"Bill was a remarkable man - a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports. 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."
Soon after the news of Bill Rasmussen's death broke, fans took to social media to pay their tributes to him. One wrote, “Bill Rasmussen really put ESPN on the map, and it continues to thrive, rip to him.” Another wrote, “Rest in peace to a legend. I enjoyed watching that channel when I was younger. It aired great sports.” A third user penned:
“ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen built an absolute legend of an empire. Today's woke sports media has totally betrayed his legacy with non-stop politics. Bring back real sports! May he rest in peace.”
Bill Rasmussen’s professional journey began in 1962 when he worked at a radio station in Atlanta. A few years later, in 1965, he relocated to Springfield and stayed there as a Sports Director for eight years. Eventually, Bill also served as a News Director for two years.
Bill Rasmussen took on the role of Communications Director for the New England Whalers hockey team in 1974. He remained in that position until he was dismissed at the end of the 1977-78 season.
In 1978, Bill established ESPN, although the network did not begin its broadcasts until September 1979. Bill was helped by his son, Scott Rasmussen, when he launched the first 24-hour cable television network. Veteran anchor Chris Berman, who joined ESPN just three weeks after the network was launched, likened Bill to George Washington. He recalled how Bill appeared to be a very grateful person who always greeted everyone with a smile on his face. In his words:
"Bill was our George Washington and a good friend. 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."
In his personal life, Bill was married to his wife, Lois. The duo had welcomed two sons, Scott Rasmussen and Glenn Rasmussen. Bill reportedly has seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Team BollywoodShaadis extends our condolences to Bill Rasmussen's family and close ones as they navigate the ESPN founder’s loss.
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